Australian locum GP jobs, particularly in Sydney, provide excellent opportunities for doctors seeking flexibility and high earning potential in one of the world’s most popular cities.
Sydney is known for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. The city’s cultural diversity enhances both personal life and professional experiences, making it an attractive place for GPs from abroad. The city offers a dynamic mix of urban and coastal living, which can be attractive to medical professionals seeking a chance to enjoy an active lifestyle and world-class amenities.
High demand for GPs
The Sydney population exceeds 5 million which, understandably, means higher demand for healthcare services. This growth creates numerous locum opportunities as practices seek to fill gaps caused by regular GPs taking leave or needing additional support during busy periods.
This is why there is a notable shortage of GPs in many areas of Sydney which means that locum GPs can find plenty of job openings, often with competitive pay rates and flexible hours.
Diverse work environments
Locum GPs can work in a range of settings, including large corporate clinics in the CBD and smaller, traditional practices in suburban areas, specialist clinics, community health centres, and in rural areas surrounding Sydney, which can be particularly rewarding for those looking to make a significant impact on community health
Locum positions may offer flexible hours, allowing GPs to choose when and where they work. Locum roles can range from short-term placements covering holidays or sick leave to longer-term contracts.
FAQs
Why work as a locum GP in Sydney?
Before answering the question, if you’re unfamiliar with the definition of a locum doctor, it’s essentially a role for filling temporary positions in various practices.
As a locum GP, you have the unique opportunity to explore different healthcare environments, provide essential support to clinics with short-term staffing needs, and engage with diverse patient populations. Sydney, as Australia’s largest city, offers various locum placements that suit different preferences, whether it’s the fast-paced environment of a busy inner-city clinic or a quieter practice in a suburban or coastal area.
Locum GP roles in Sydney allow you to gain control over your schedule, earn competitive rates, and experience Sydney’s rich culture, lifestyle, and recreational opportunities. Furthermore, as a locum doctor, you can achieve a satisfying work-life balance while still advancing your medical career in a world-class healthcare environment.
What are the typical working hours for a locum GP in Sydney?
The working hours for a locum GP in Sydney can vary widely based on the type of clinic or healthcare facility. Generally, locum GPs may have flexible schedules, working part-time, full-time, or even just a few days per week based on their availability and the needs of the clinic. Standard working hours in general practices are usually between 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, but some locum shifts can extend to evenings and weekends, especially for clinics offering after-hours care.
Locum GPs in Sydney often appreciate the ability to choose shifts that suit their lifestyle, whether they prefer traditional daytime hours or more flexible weekend or after-hours positions. This flexibility is one of the primary appeals of locum work, as it allows doctors to balance their professional and personal lives.
What qualifications do I need to be a locum GP in Sydney?
To work as a locum GP in Sydney, you will need to meet certain qualifications, with the primary requirement being Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). For international medical graduates, securing FRACGP is essential as it certifies that a doctor has met the standards required for general practice in Australia.
In addition to FRACGP, IMGs must also undergo the Australian Medical Council (AMC) certification process, which involves the assessment and verification of credentials. Many locum positions in Sydney also require that doctors have current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), as well as a Medicare provider number for billing purposes.
Doctors who hold other general practice qualifications equivalent to FRACGP from certain recognized countries may qualify for streamlined assessment pathways.
How competitive is the pay for locum GPs in Sydney?
Locum doctor pay rates in Sydney are competitive and can be very attractive, particularly for high-demand locum GP positions. The pay for locum GPs varies depending on factors like the clinic’s location, whether the work is in a high-demand or rural area, and the level of experience required.
For Sydney-based locum GPs, typical rates often range between AUD $150 to $400 per hour, with some clinics offering even higher rates or incentives for after-hours shifts. Payment structures can include hourly rates or percentage-based earnings, such as 65-70% of patient billings. Locum GP roles in Sydney provide not only competitive remuneration but also the opportunity to gain varied experiences in different healthcare settings.
Can I work as a locum GP if I’m an international medical graduate (IMG)?
Yes, international medical graduates can work as locum GPs in Australia, including in Sydney, though there are specific requirements and pathways involved.
IMGs who wish to become a locum GP in Australia must complete the necessary steps to gain registration with AHPRA, and many will need to secure their FRACGP to meet eligibility for general practice.
Additionally, IMGs are often subject to a 10-year moratorium under section 19AB, which requires them to work in Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) to practise as GPs in Australia. However, there are 19AB exemptions available that may allow some flexibility, particularly for those seeking locum positions.
Consulting with an immigration advisor or a recruitment consultancy like Alecto can help IMGs understand their eligibility and streamline the visa and certification process for locum work in Sydney.
Are there any locum GP jobs in Sydney DPA areas?
Yes, there are locum GP opportunities in Sydney’s DPA zones, though these are generally more limited in metropolitan Sydney compared to rural and regional areas. DPA classification identifies areas with a shortage of medical professionals, making them eligible to hire IMGs under certain conditions.
While central Sydney may have fewer DPA-designated areas, there are nearby suburbs and outer metropolitan regions within reasonable commuting distance that qualify. Many of these areas actively seek locum GPs to provide essential healthcare services. Work in a DPA can be advantageous for IMGs, as it may fulfil certain requirements under the 19AB moratorium.
For more specific placements, consulting with a healthcare recruitment consultant specialising in DPA roles can help IMGs find locum positions in or near Sydney that align with DPA requirements
What support does Alecto offer to locum GPs?
Alecto provides comprehensive support to locum GPs interested in working in Sydney. For international medical graduates, Alecto offers guidance with the AMC and EPIC registration processes, to ensure candidates complete all necessary certifications and meet local registration standards.
Additionally, Alecto assists locum GPs in finding job opportunities (such as GP jobs in Australia for UK GPs) that match their skills, preferences, and geographical requirements, whether in metropolitan Sydney or nearby DPA zones.
The team at Alecto is well-versed in the healthcare recruitment process and provides essential advice on Medicare provider numbers, visa pathways, and navigating the Australian healthcare system.
The Best GP Locum Jobs in Sydney
Find the best locum GP jobs in Sydney and work with knowledgeable GP recruitment consultants to find a locum opportunity that suits your needs.
Bella Vista, Sydney
VR General Practitioner | Mixed Billing in Bella Vista
Permanent or 6 month locum GP Job
$150/hr min for 3 months or 70% billings for first 3 months
Mixed Billing in Sydney
Queanbeyan West, Canberra
GP Job in Canberra – High Demand, Flexible Locum Option Available
Permanent or 6 month locum GP Job
$150/hr min for 3 months or 70% billings for first 3 months
Can take MMM1/DPA GP for supervision
Kellyville, Sydney, NSW
GP Job – Sydney - Flexible Hours & Great Earnings
Permanent or 6 month locum GP Job
Requires GP for Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
$150/hr min for 3 months or 70% billings for first 3 months
Central Coast, NSW
General Practitioner Job – Central Coast, Near Newcastle
Permanent or 6 month locum
$150/hr min for 3 months or 70% billings for first 3 months
Mixed Billing
Rockdale, NSW
GP Job in Southern Sydney - Established Patient Base
Permanent or 6 month locum starts Dec / Jan to coincide with departing GP
$150/hr min for 3 months or 70% billings for first 3 months
Mixed Billing
Coffs Harbour, NSW
General Practitioner - Coffs Harbour
Permanent GP role with potential for a 6-month locum position
3 months min $150/hr or 70% billings for first 3 months
Mixed billing practice - 65% billings after 3 months
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Why Alecto?
At Alecto Australia, we are committed to finding GP jobs that suit your individual preferences and needs. Because we specialise in sourcing the best GP jobs for the best GPs, we have access to the largest number of permanent GP jobs in Australia.