Ability to recruit doctors in the MMM1 zone (Metropolitan). (Last updated November 2023)
You can check MMM and DPA zoning HERE.
There are three major restrictions on doctors by the Health Department.
- Section 19AB or 10-year moratorium. Overseas trained doctors must work in DPA areas or after hours in non-DPA areas for 10 years from the moment of their first registration. There are some exemptions available.
- Section 19AA applies to doctors who are not Vocationally Registered (or VR). A GP must hold a Fellowship with the Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) to be vocationally registered.
- A Health Workforce Certificate (HWC) is no longer required to sponsor a doctor to work under TSS (Temporary Skills Shortage) visa. HWC is automatic for public hospitals, MMM2-7, a doctor working with the same employer they have had for at least the 12 previous months and some others.
| Category | Able to work in hours | VR/ FRACGP, Australian graduate or OTD who served 10-year moratorium | Conditions |
| Limited Registrant, Temporary Resident of Australia e.g. spousal visa, spousal visa when the spouse has TSS visa. | YES | YES | None |
| FRACGP OTD whose first registration was less than 10 years ago | NO | YES | * 6 months locum arrangement available for IN HOURS sessions.**Some doctors have shorter moratorium due to work experience in remote areas. |
| ***Limited Registrant, Permanent Resident of Australia | NO | NO | |
| General Registrant, Permanent Resident of Australia | NO | NO | |
| General Registrant, Temporary Resident of Australia e.g. spousal visa, spousal visa when the spouse has TSS visa. | NO | YES | |
| General Registrant, Temporary Resident of Australia e.g. spousal visa, spousal visa when spouse has TSS visa. | NO | YES | 6 months locum arrangement available for IN HOURS sessions |
| Limited Registrant, Requires TSS visa | NO | NO | |
| General Registrant, Requires TSS visa | NO | NO |
***Limited Registrant or a doctor seeking Limited Registration
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