Information for users of the Map Locator relating to District of Workforce Shortage (DWS).
Before you search the DWS map, please note the following qualifications:
The information relates only to DWS for general practice.
Search results obtained from the DWS map should be used as supporting documentation when an application for a Medicare provider number and an exemption from section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973(The Act) is made. This information should be attached at the time of application.
Please note, section 19AA of the Act may prevent the payment of Medicare benefits relating to services provided by an overseas trained doctor that has permanent residency or Australian citizenship and does not have Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners/Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.
The Department of Health and Ageing has a number of programs that use 'workforce shortage' as an eligibility criterion. The advice on the map locator specifically links to the provision of Medicare provider numbers and doctors wishing to work in general practice. Medicare provider number restrictions apply to all overseas trained doctors (OTDs). By restricting Medicare provider numbers issued to OTDs to DWS the Department aims to achieve equitable distribution of medical services across Australia.
The DWS map also identifies eligible areas of workforce shortage for general practitioners under the Bonded Medical Places scheme.