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WIP Rural Advanced Skills Stream

locum GP

Workforce Incentive Program Rural Advanced Skills Stream

About the Program

The Workforce incentive Program (WIP) Rural Advanced Skills payment aims to support access to health care in rural and remote communities (MM 3-7 locations) by providing additional annual incentive payments to GPs working in primary care and using advanced skills in a range of other settings.

This Rural Advanced Skill payment adds to the incentives offered through the WIP Doctor Stream and the WIP Practice Stream.

Payments will commence from 1 January 2024, recognising services delivered between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025. GPs may be eligible for up to three payments for services during 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Eligibility

To be eligible for WIP – Rural Advanced Skills payment, GPs must:

  • provide MBS rebatable primary care services in a MM 3-7 location;
  • meet minimum service thresholds for the relevant streams;
  • have supporting documentation to substantiate their application; and
  • register their individual bank account details with Services Australia.

Payment amounts

A GP could earn up to $21,000 in a year in additional incentive payments in recognition of their work both in primary care and in community and/or hospital settings. The incentive payments are based on rurality, the number of advanced skills delivered, and service thresholds for general practice services.

The new payments consist of two separate payment streams:

  • Stream 1: Emergency Medicine – for doctors providing a minimum level of emergency care
  • Stream 2: Advanced Skills – for doctors who hold recognised qualifications in advanced skills

Eligible doctors and Rural Generalists are able to claim from $4,000 up to $10,500 per annum (per stream) for one or both payment streams.

Applications

Please click the relevant links to submit your application

Stream 1: https://rwanetwork.com.au/emergency-services

Stream 2: https://rwanetwork.com.au/rural-advanced-skills

Please note that there are two ways to submit an application:

  1. The WIP-RAS is an online application that can be saved and completed later. Once you have completed your application you will receive an email link along with a PDF copy of your application that you can send to your nominated regional health authority or employer to validate your claimed rosters via digital signature. You can then submit it online via the same link. Please note: you can only submit your application via the website/portal one time only.
  2. If you have submitted your application via Option 1 but need to make changes, have not attained all required signatures or need to provide extra documentation, you will have to submit your amended application via email to RWAV at WIPRAS@rwav.com.au or alternatively submit an entirely new application via the website. Please note: you can either edit your application digitally OR print out your physical application then scan it to submit via email.

If your submitted application does not contain the relevant signatures your application will not be processed, and you will be notified via email. You will need to amend your application to contain all necessary signatures and submit your amended application via email to RWAV at WIPRAS@rwav.com.au or alternatively submit an entirely new application via the website.

RWAV will get in touch with you if we require any more evidence or documentation.

Further Information

For further information on the Workforce Incentive Program Rural Advanced Skills Stream, refer to https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/workforce-incentive-program/workforce-incentive-program-rural-advanced-skills-stream or contact RWAV on 03 9349 7800.

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With a background in social work and a proven record in recruitment, project management, and business development, Jo brings strategic leadership and a wealth of experience in driving positive outcomes within the health, human services, and State Government sectors.

Jo specialises in managing health professional recruitment and outreach programs, including the More Doctors for Rural Australia and 3GA programs. Her focus is on implementing innovative workforce strategies and clinical governance to bolster RWAV’s mission of enhancing healthcare accessibility in rural and regional Victoria.

Having previously excelled at RWAV, Jo spearheaded successful internal change initiatives while fostering strong relationships with external stakeholders. Her efforts consistently align with RWAV’s strategic direction, ensuring a cohesive approach to driving impactful change.

Beyond her professional expertise, Jo’s passion lies in uniting communities and championing positive transformations in rural healthcare in Victoria.

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