Supports and subsidies
From relocation to emergency course subsidies to ongoing annual incentive payments, there are a number of supports and financial subsidies for rural GP registrars as outlined below.
Rural support team
GP Synergy has a dedicated rural support team providing relocation advice and assistance, pastoral support and information about the subsidies available through GP Synergy and other organisations.
Relocation subsidies
GP Synergy offers between $1,900 and $9,500 per six months* for relocation costs for registrars training in MMM3-7 locations including:
- moving fees, end of lease cleaning, connection and disconnection fees
- travel and accommodation for pre-placement interviews or accommodation site visits
- travel to commence the placement
Registrars training in MMM5-7 locations can also apply for reimbursement of two return trips (flights/mileage) to their originating destination within their rural support cap each term.
GP Synergy rural support caps by term and location*
| MMM3 | MMM4 | MMM5 | MMM6 | MMM7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,930 | $3,186 | $4,228 | $6,188 | $9,497 |
*The rural support cap varies according to the MMM classification of your placement and is subject to change. Please see Registrar Support Guidelines for full terms and conditions.
Looking for the MMM classification for a town?
Visit the town profile page to find out!
Education/course subsidies
GP Synergy provides:
- Up to $3000 towards an accredited ALS/REST course for if registrars:
- undertake Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) work as part of your rural placement in an MMM 3-7 location
- are an ACRRM or FARGP registrar
- are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrar
- Up to $2500 towards an accredited ALS/REST course for if registrars are not undertaking VMO work as part of their placement in an MMM 3-7 location.
- Up to $1000 per StAMPS exam to participate in ACRRM study groups.
Registrars training in MMM5-7 locations can also apply for reimbursement for education courses relevant to rural general practice within their funding cap (see table above).
Rural generalist/procedural course subsidies
GP Synergy provides:
- Up to $8,000 for pre-approved curriculum related course fees (excluding core qualification fees) not eligible for funding under any other program for registrars undertaking Advanced Skills and Advanced Specialised Training terms in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia, Surgery and DRANZCOG Advanced.
Other non-GP Synergy subsidies also exist:
- $40,000 Commonwealth subsidy under the GP Procedural Training Support Program to enable GPs to gain the Advanced Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG Advanced).
- $40,000 Commonwealth subsidy under the GP Procedural Training Support Program to support rural GPs to attain procedural skills by providing funding to gain the Advanced Rural Skills and Advanced Specialised Training in Anaesthesia
General Practice Rural Incentives Program (GPRIP)
The General Practice Rural Incentives Program guidelines aims to encourage medical practitioners to practise in regional and remote communities and to promote careers in rural medicine through the provision of financial incentives. Explore the Doctor Connect map for specific location boundaries.
| Location (MM) | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MM3 | $0 | $4,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 | $12,000 |
| MM4 | $0 | $8,000 | $13,000 | $13,000 | $18,000 |
| MM5 | $0 | $12,000 | $17,000 | $17,000 | $23,000 |
| MM6 | $16,000 | $16,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| MM7 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 | $60,000 |
Having grown up, studied and worked in Sydney, GP registrar, Dr Matthew Chan found himself in New England/Northwest for his GP training; he's enjoyed it so much he’s in no hurry to get back to the city.
He shares his experience of moving to the country town of Gunnedah - his relocation, his practice choice, his training experience and tips for other doctors thinking of making the move.
Looking for advice from a rural GP?
Request a rural GP mentor to help you explore rural general practice