Workforce

A district of workforce shortage is defined as a geographic area in which the general population need for health care is not met, which are generally rural and remote areas. Population needs are seen to be unmet where a community has significantly less access to medical professional services than that of the national average.

For all the latest information regarding workforce in Queensland go to www.healthworkforce.com.au.

This website includes information on GP vacancies, request for locum reliefs, training grants and much more...

RRMA - an explanation

The Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas (RRMA) classification, developed in 1994 by the Department of Primary Industries and Energy and the then Department of Human Services and Health, was used as the framework by which the various data sources could be analysed for metropolitan, rural and remote zones. Seven categories are included in this classification - 2 metropolitan, 3 rural and 2 remote zones.

For further information please go to www.ruraldoc.com.au/AboutUs/rrma.asp

Medicare Plus for Other Medical Professionals (OMPs)

One of the initiatives included in the Medicare package is the MedicarePlus for Other Medical Practitioners (OMPs) Program. The MedicarePlus for OMPs Program will provide access to the higher A1 Medicare rebate for services provided by pre 1996 non-vocationally registered medical practitioners, also known as OMPs, who provide services in an area of workforce shortage.

The intent of the MedicarePlus for OMPs Program is to provide an extra incentive for certain OMPs who are currently in adequately supplied workforce areas to relocate to areas of workforce shortage for a period of time.

The Program commenced from 1 February 2004 and enables pre 1996 OMPs who provide services in an eligible area of workforce shortage to apply for immediate access to the higher A1 Medicare rebate.

For more information please go to www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-medicare-health_pro-gp-omps.htm.

Queensland Rural Medical Family Network

The Queensland Rural Medical Family Support Network is responsible for supporting doctors, spouses, partners and families in rural and remote medical practice. The Family Network actively works to address the issue of retaining medical practitioners in rural areas, by providing a range of information, referral and support initiatives.