DPA changes could drain doctors from communities in need

Australia’s peak general practice body is warning changes to priority areas for doctors could see GPs going to Noosa and Surfers Paradise rather than the rural and remote communities that really need them. 

The government announced changes to classifications for 34 communities around Australia on Monday, including Distribution Priority Area (DPA) status which shows workforce need, and the Modified Monash Model (MMM) system, which shows how rural or remote a community is. 

RACGP Rural Chair Dr Michael Clements said the DPA changes won’t help communities where the need is greatest. 

“These classifications are important tools to show where there is workforce need, and to help grow the workforce through recruitment programs for overseas trained medical graduates,” he said. 

“They need to be targeted to ensure the communities where the need is greatest get the support required. 

“However, this didn’t happen with the last changes to expand DPA status. In fact, the opposite occurred, it drained doctors from rural and remote communities to more desirable locations that had been reclassified. 

"While this latest announcement is good news for some, it will not help communities where the need is greatest. If everywhere is a priority, the system doesn’t work.” 

“We do welcome the MMM changes. It means more Medicare support and incentives will be available to support GP practices and patients, improving access to affordable care for these communities.” 

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said: “Australia needs to grow its GP workforce to meet the increasing need for care, particularly in communities in need which are often more rural and remote. 

“GPs keep people healthy and reduce pressure on local hospitals. They are essential for every community to thrive.  

“The RACGP has applauded political parties for supporting our initiatives to grow Australia’s GP workforce faster. The last thing we need is classification changes making it harder for communities to secure GPs where the need is greatest.”