Brighton GP clinics will now be able to recruit overseas-trained doctors and medical practitioners following reclassification as apriority area. Brighton’s Distribution Priority Area (DPA) was reclassified following an application to the Federal Government’s “exceptional circumstances” review in a bid to fill current GP shortages here.

The priority classification scheme allows medical practices to recruit doctors who are normally subject to location restrictions, such as those who trained overseas. It also includes recruiting students who trained in a Commonwealth Supported Place in an Australian medical course who are required to work in regional, rural and remote areas as part of their studies.

Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Claire Chandler welcomed the review. “We know how important it is for residents in regional areas to be able to access GP services and the difficulty that practices outside majorities often have in recruiting and retaining doctors,” Senator Chandler shared. “Issues surrounding recruitment and retention of GPs in Brighton were raised with me by Mayor Leigh Gray at our first meeting in his official capacity. I’m very pleased to see the successful change in classification for Brighton to help address these issues.”

The scheme has been running for three years by the Australian Government. It aims to address gaps in the medical workforce and encourage doctors to work in regional, rural and remote communities which are often understaffed compared to respective metropolitan areas. “We will continue to advocate for more support for Attraction and retention in Lyons,” Senator Chandler said.