Working in Australia: the general practitioner guide

Chris Tsolakis • June 8, 2017

Working in Australia as a GP


Working in Australia as a General Practitioner (GP) is similar clinically to the UK. Most practices now are paperless so all patient records are accessed and recorded by doctors on computer. On average a practice will have 3 to 6 GP’s working full time and part time, with a practice nurse, treatment room, and some allied services such as Psychology, Physiotherapy and Pathology.


There are much larger practices that have up to 20 plus doctors and specialist consulting rooms on-site. They are generally owned by companies “corporates” or a group of doctors who have expanded over time. Solo GP practices still exist however mainly exclusive country and rural areas.


‘A dream job in a dream country’ – Jason Stevens, MRCGP


Billing and Earnings


When you’re working in Australia as a GP, you will find that some processes are working differently from e.g. the UK. The main difference between the UK GP practices and Australian GP practices is the way GP’s get paid. In Australia, practices can be private billing, bulk billing, or mixed billings. Private Billings means the practices charge its patients cash. Bulk billing is where the GP’s charge the patient through Medicare (Australia’s version of the NHS) for the consultation. Mixed billings are when a practice charges either private or private and bulk billings for the consultation. These mixed billing practices tend to “bulk bill” the elderly, concession holders, and children. The rest are privately billed. The money is then split between the practice and the GP as a percentage generally 65% of gross billings going to the GP.


This method has allowed GPs working in Australia to earn well over $250,000 (£150,000) per annum because of the income opportunity it presents. Even though the tax system is about 5% higher than the UK, Australian GP’s have a better tax advantage as they can leverage their income like a business (self-employed) and pay less tax at the end of the financial year. A good accountant who specialises in dealing with GP’s is highly recommended to maximise your income. Have a look at our article on how to build your patient base as well!


Eligibility


To be eligible to start working in Australia as a UK General Practitioner you must have the MRCGP (Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners) holding the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) issued by the Post Graduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) or the General Medical Council (GMC) or trained in Ireland and a graduate of the ICGP and hold MICGP.


Location Restrictions


The majority of overseas trained GP’s working in Australia are subject to District of Work Shortages (DWS) locations in order to be eligible for a provider number through Medicare. These areas are identified using the latest Medicare billing statistics, which are updated on an annual basis to account for changes in the composition and geographic distribution of the Australian medical workforce, and the latest residential population estimates as provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). DWS locations are mostly in outer metropolitan areas from about 30 minutes’ drive outside major cities.


Qualifications and Migration


The Practice Experience Program Specialist Stream provides a pathway for International Medical Graduates to start working in Australia based on an assessment of your previous training and experience in general practice.


The SPP visa pathway allows GPs to be living and working in Australia for up to 4 years via the TSS visa (dependant on the length of the job offer). It can be renewed multiple times, each time for up to four years, and allows dependents to be travelling, living and working in Australia with you for the same duration.


Eligibility for permanent residency in Australia is generally assessed on by taking into account a number of factors which can include:


  • Medical registration status
  • Type of job offer
  • Specific job demand
  • Relatives already living in Australia or NZ
  • Experience and/or qualifications


Each factor contributes a certain number of points and if you are able to satisfy the required amount then you may be eligible to apply.


Why Australia?


Australia has an excellent health system, great weather, strong economy, well paid jobs, and best of all, no NHS bureaucracy. Of course we are well known for our beaches, sport, wines, and great lifestyle. Most Australians are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants who arrived during the past two hundred years from more than 200 countries. It’s a great time to start working in Australia as a GP!


How Medipeople Can Help you start Working in Australia


Medipeople offers the widest choice of general practice jobs and a specialized, professional migration service dedicated to assisting general practitioners and their families with the relocation process to Australia. If you want to start working in Australia, we will take you through our proven, step-by-step process to make this process as hassle-free as possible for you.


We recruit General Practitioners for a wide variety of medical centres, private practices and other health facilities in Australia. Working with Medipeople you are guaranteed a choice of leading opportunities that match your requirements, advice regarding contracts and negotiation to make sure that you secure the best deal for your situation.


We will help you with all the steps you may need:


  • Fine tuning your resume
  • Finding, applying for and landing the job you want
  • Contract negotiations
  • Accommodation
  • Money matters
  • Battling your way through the immigration jungle
  • Getting your qualifications and skills recognized
  • Professional registration
  • Professional indemnity insurance
  • Securing the best financial and relocation package


Register with us now if you are thinking of a change or upgrading your current job.

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From Scotland to Brisbane: A GP’s Journey Through AHPRA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway

By Chris Tsolakis • November 17, 2025
Every so often, a placement stands out, not because it was the easiest, but because it marked a turning point in how we support GPs moving to Australia. Dr Idle’s journey from Scotland to Brisbane is one of those stories. When I first connected with him, the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway was in the works but hadn’t officially started. He had initially submitted his RACGP Specialist Assessment, and then, the new pathway was announced, promising a much faster, cleaner route for UK GPs with CCT + MRCGP. We moved quickly, transferring his RACGP application and switching him over to the ESP to speed up his application. He became one of the very first GPs to go through this new process. And while the pathway itself was designed to be “expedited,” the reality of being first through the door was… interesting. There were delays, long pauses, and moments where we clearly saw AHPRA navigating a new internal process while dealing with a high influx of applications. Nothing moved clean or in a way we had expected. Because we corresponded directly with AHPRA daily, we were able to follow up, clarifying requirements, escalating where appropriate, and making sure nothing slipped through the cracks while the system caught up with itself. Eventually, after what felt like a marathon for everyone involved, Dr Idle was officially registered, visa approved, and on a plane to Australia. Today, he’s thriving in an exceptional practice, fully settled, and building exactly the future he hoped for when he first reached out from Scotland. It’s been almost two years now, and we’re still in touch, not just for professional updates but to support him as needed. Our support continues long after a doctor starts their new role. Relocating your entire life to the other side of the world is a huge step, and whether it’s career progression, financial, schooling, community, or simply a friendly chat, we’re here for it. And personally, even after twenty years in GP recruitment, it still gives me genuine joy when I finally meet a doctor in person after months of online correspondence and guiding them through the maze of registration, visas, logistics, and relocation. Seeing them happy, settled, and thriving is why I still love what I do. Since then, we’ve guided many more doctors through the Expedited Specialist Pathway. It has become smoother and more predictable than when it first launched. With the right guidance and careful preparation, most of the early delays can now be avoided. Dr Idle’s journey from Scotland to Brisbane wasn’t perfect or straightforward, but it was meaningful. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for how international GPs come to Australia, and I’m proud we helped him navigate it before the pathway had even found its rhythm. If you're a UK GP considering the move, I’m always happy to talk through the process and help you understand whether it’s the right next step for you. With the right guidance, the transition truly can be life-changing, just as it was for Dr Idle.

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Across Australia, general practice is changing fast and so are the pressures on GPs. From increasing patient complexity to stagnant funding, many doctors are questioning whether their current practice truly supports the kind of medicine they want to provide. The Realities GPs Are Facing in 2026 Rising complexity, less time to care Recent RACGP data shows that over two-thirds of GPs are managing more complex, multi-condition cases than ever before. Many are spending longer with patients but without adequate remuneration or support. Funding that hasn’t kept pace Despite government incentives, Medicare rebates and practice funding haven’t matched the true cost of quality care. Practices are being forced to choose between bulk billing and financial sustainability, and GPs are feeling the strain. Administrative overload and burnout The non-clinical workload has ballooned. From compliance and care plans to IT and communication gaps, it’s no surprise that one in three GPs say they may leave practice within five years. Searching for better balance Most GPs still love what they do but want better systems, better support, and more time for patients. They’re looking for practices that align with their values: professionalism, autonomy, and patient-centred care. What a Better Opportunity Really Means If you’re a GP currently feeling these pressures, the solution might not be “more or less of the same” it might be finding a practice managed differently. Clinics that focus on quality over quantity, with: Busy, well-established clinics Special interest patient flow Strong nursing and management support Billing models that support growth Flexible work options Professional autonomy “Sometimes a fresh start can be life-changing for the better” Medipeople has been helping GPs find fulfilling roles across Australia for over 20 years, matching doctors with practices that fit their values, lifestyle, and professional goals. click here to learn more