How to obtain or extend Area of Need status for a position
Please note it is recommended that these tasks are completed concurrently in order to avoid delays in obtaining the required documentation
- Read the Policy Directive.
- Obtain and review the relevant application form (checklist included on form document).
- Check the position location’s Remoteness Areas (RA) classification by searching the map on www.doctorconnect.gov.au for the position's main location.
- For GP positions, obtain verification from the RA page above that all locations serviced by the position have District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) classification by clicking on the DWS tick box. If the location is not classified as a DWS, you must obtain a Preliminary Assessment of District of Workforce Shortage (PADWS) from the Department of Health and Ageing stating that the location will be given exemption to Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973.
- For Specialist positions, a Preliminary Assessment of District of Workforce Shortage (PADWS) from the Department of Health and Ageing must be obtained.
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Gather evidence of labour market testing according to the RA classification of the position's main location (see table below).
Note: For staff specialist psychiatry positions based in Local Health Network facilities, labour market testing is covered by the collective recruitment strategy undertaken by the Rural Psychiatry Project of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, NSW Branch, and are therefore exempt from this criterion.
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RA 1 – 2 locations |
RA 3 – 5 locations |
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A minimum of one advertisement per week for 6 weeks in a relevant national or state-wide newspaper or 6 continuous weeks advertising on a national careers website e.g. Seek; Career One or My Career; AND 6 weeks continuous advertising on a relevant health related website e.g.
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A minimum of one advertisement per week for 2 weeks in a relevant national or state-wide newspaper or 2 continuous weeks advertising on a national careers website e.g. Seek; Career One or My Career; AND 2 weeks continuous advertising on a relevant health related website e.g.
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- Consult with and obtain letters of support signed by the Chief Executive (or delegated authority) of each of the following stakeholders:
- the relevant Local Health Network
- the relevant Specialty College (for GP positions, consult with either the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners or the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine)
- (for those with secondary locations) the relevant facility management
- (for GP positions) Local Division of General Practice
- Prepare a position description including key selection criteria addressing clinical responsibilities, and qualifications and experience required.
- Complete application form and check list.
- Submit the application form and checklist, evidence of labour market testing, letters of support from stakeholders, proof of DWS classification or PADWS and position description to:
Area of Need Project Officer
Recruitment and Retention Unit
NSW Health Department
Locked Mail Bag 961
NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Email: othpinfo@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
Fax: 02 9391 9019
