Tasmania like most regional areas in Australia is experiencing challenges in attracting and retaining the health workforce required to support the health system. The Tasmanian Government is focused on creating and sustaining a health professional workforce that provides accessible and effective care for all Tasmanians.

Aligning with the Long-Term Plan for Healthcare in Tasmania 2040, The Rural General Practice Settlement Incentive grant program was announced by the Tasmanian Government in November 2024. This initiative aims to attract up to 40 new GPs to rural and regional Tasmania, by providing incentives of up to $100,000 over five years for GPs who choose to settle in prioritised rural and regional locations.

The maximum amount available to successful applicants is $100,000 per GP, contingent on fulfilment of service as outlined in the RGPSI Guidelines. Pro rata payments will be available for grantees who cannot fulfill the minimum FTE requirement for maximum payment.

The payment schedule, for maximum payment, will be as follows:

• $10 000 at the end of the first year of service
• $20 000 at the end of the second year of service
• $30 000 at the end of the third year of service
• $40 000 at the end of the fourth year of service

Program Overview

The program aims to attract Vocationally Registered GPs to Tasmanian regional, rural and remote areas (MMM 3-7) particularly to general practices connected to District Hospitals and Multipurpose Centres, in addition to the New Norfolk District Hospital Services in MMM 2.

Eligibility requirements for this program:

• Registered with AHPRA as a qualified General Practitioner*
• Willing to provide services in an eligible regional area of Tasmania
• Have (or are willing to obtain) provider numbers for the new location
• Have (or are willing to obtain) credentials in regional hospitals or multi-purpose centres
• The Doctors involved will be required to work at least 0.5 FTE for 47 weeks each year to be eligible

* GPs in training are not eligible, however newly Fellowed GPs who are not leaving the Priority 1 or 2 practice they have trained in are eligible and must remain at the location for five years from the time of signing the Grant Agreement.

Applications from Tasmanian GPs wishing to change locations within Tasmania will be considered by the Administrator but may not be approved. The Administrator will consider the reasons for the request, exceptional circumstances, risks and benefits to Tasmania, sustainability of healthcare provision and other factors as appropriate.