Regional Health

The Nationals will push for regional health incentives.

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To address the health workforce shortages in regional, rural, and remote South Australia (particularly areas classified as MM 3–7) the Nationals will push to incentivise newly qualified medical professionals to live and practice in regional town for a sustained period.

 

The program would supplement the pre-existing national Workforce Incentive Program and would require participants to commit to full-time practice in the relevant area for at least 3 years. Incentives would include:  

 

• A one off payment of $15,000–$30,000 depending on MM classification

• HECs debt relief in exchange for an additional 3 years past the initial 3 year period.

• Government-backed loan guarantees to enable low-deposit purchases (as low as 5% for first-time buyers or 10% for others), waiving Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

• Priority allocation for childcare.

• Locum relief to ensure leave can be taken.

 

Australian studies have also suggested that professionals with rural origins have higher retention rates in rural practice. In addition to the above incentives, eligible individuals will also be able to obtain:

 

• A waiver for stamp duty on a home purchased in that town (new or pre-existing)

• Priority placement in Rural Generalist pathways or allied health rural generalist programs.

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