Where Can I work as a UK-trained GP in Australia?

When considering where you might want to relocate to in Australia there are a number of factors to consider. First of all, there are small limits to the places that you can practise initially based on where workforce shortages exist. Beyond that, you have a huge country to choose from and a number of other factors to consider.

Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) and the Modified Monash Model (MMM)

DPA (Distribution Priority Area) and MMM (Modified Monash Model) are classifications used by the Australian government to decide where GP workforce shortages exist and where overseas‑trained GPs can work when they initially arrive. A DPA is an area officially recognised as needing more GPs. International or overseas‑trained doctors are usually required to work in these locations for visa and Medicare provider number eligibility. The MMM system ranks locations from MMM1 (major cities) through to MMM7 (very remote towns) based on geographical remoteness and access to healthcare services. DPAs mostly fall in MMM2–MMM7 areas. That tends to exclude major metropolitan locations but includes plenty of regional and suburban districts within half an hour to 45 minutes of all the major cities. After a couple of years you can apply for permanent residency and these restrictions end, allowing you to work in any practice.

Billing model and earning potential

Major cities, affluent suburbs and metro‑growth areas are more likely to have private or mixed billing practices where patients pay the difference between government‑funded Medicare and the total bill. That can mean higher income per consult and often longer appointments. Regional towns tend to rely on bulk billing (Medicare only), which means a faster pace and higher volume but lower fee per patient. Some rural and remote areas also use bulk billing heavily because communities rely on Medicare‑funded access, but demand can be very strong so full books come quickly. There will always be exceptions where remote but affluent towns bring more private work or certain parts of cities lean more heavily on Medicare. All billing models offer lucrative earning potential, so consider your own preferences and choose a practice that suits you.

Patient demand and workload

If you want to be busy quickly (and potentially increase your earnings more quickly) then regional DPA locations (often MMM2–MMM5) frequently have shortages so you can build a full patient list faster. In more urban and built‑up areas where there are fewer workforce shortages it can take longer to fill your list because there are more practices and more choice for patients. Coastal lifestyle towns can be a mixed bag – they are busier in peak seasons and slower in others, and competition depends on how many clinics are nearby. It’s very reasonable to ask about this in an interview and confirm how many new patient slots a new GP gets per week and how long it typically takes to reach 80–90 per cent booked.

Supervision and support

Depending on how confident you feel as a GP in a new healthcare system it might be that you’d prefer to start in a large regional hub or city where there are other GPs and specialists you can refer to and support from colleagues in neighbouring practices. There are more mentors in cities, bigger regional hubs and corporate‑run groups. These larger practices often offer a more structured education and supervision environment. On the other hand, some doctors are drawn to rural or remote practices because of the independence and greater variety of work. In smaller towns you might cover a wider scope of practice and there may be a closer relationship with the community. Consider what level of support you feel you will need and pick a practice accordingly.

Lifestyle and location

Lifestyle is also a key factor. Do you want warm weather and beaches or cooler climates in highland areas? Coastal areas are popular for lifestyle but can be more competitive. Inland regional towns can offer a slower pace of life and shorter commutes. Consider proximity to airports for travel back to the UK and the availability of schools, housing and amenities. Many doctors combine a few years in a regional practice to satisfy initial DPA requirements with a plan to move to a major city later on.

📘 The UK GP’s Guide to Relocating to Australia — Full Series

This article is part of our complete guide for UK-trained GPs considering a move to Australia. Each section covers a different stage of the process:

• The Full Guide
• Getting Registered with AHPRA 
• How Much do GPs Earn in Australia?
• Working Hours for UK GPs in Australia
• Choosing a Location in Australia? - This Article!
• Guide to the 482 Australian Visa

If you’re early in your research, we recommend starting with the full guide and then working through each section step by step.

Conclusion

Overall, there are plenty of opportunities for UK‑trained GPs in Australia. With an understanding of the DPA/MMM system, the different billing models, patient demand and lifestyle factors, you can choose the right location for your first role. After fulfilling the initial requirements you’ll be free to work almost anywhere in the country.

Email Aus@BDIResourcing.com if you'd like to hear more about your options for working in Australia