Rural Advanced Skills incentive now open

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has encouraged GPs with advanced skills working in regional, rural, and remote communities to apply for a new incentive payment.

The Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) Rural Advanced Skills incentive applications are now open with payments commencing from 1 January next year recognising services delivered during 2023, 2024 and 2025.

RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins urged GPs to apply.

“I encourage GPs to sign up,” she said.

“This incentive rewards investment in specialist qualifications and credentialed skills, attributes that are so important for GPs working in the bush. The College is right behind rural GPs and practice teams, who are so important to rural and remote communities right across Australia.”

Deputy RACGP Rural Chair Dr Vicki Mattiazzo backed the President’s comments.

“This is a great incentive for GPs working outside of major cities,” she said.

“When you are a GP working in a rural or remote community, you must have a diverse skill set and be ready for anything. No two days are the same and many patients may not have ready access to non-GP specialists without lengthy travel. So, it is welcome news that this payment recognises that GPs working in regional, rural, and remote areas are often required to use additional advanced skills to meet the healthcare needs of the communities they love.

“There are payments in the ‘Emergency Medicine’ stream for GPs providing a minimum level of emergency care. There is also an ‘Advanced Skills’ stream for those practicing in areas such as obstetrics, anaesthetics, surgery, mental healthcare, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care.

“For any future doctor considering become a GP in a regional, rural, or remote community – I encourage you to give it a try. You will be immensely valued by a tight knit community, and you will have incredible opportunities to boost your skills in such a wide range of areas. The College is working hard to support GPs who may want to try rural general practice. Take it from me, being a rural GP is a rich and rewarding experience, so why not give it a go?”

This fact sheet has further details.