Area of Need Certificate - Terms and Conditions
Area of Need is granted to allow employing bodies to implement temporary recruitment strategies to fill medical vacancies when attempts to fill the vacancy with an Australian citizen or permanent resident with specialist registration are unsuccessful.
Regardless of Area of Need certification, employers should continue their efforts to permanently fill vacancies with Australian citizen/permanent resident medical practitioners and priority must be given to such applicants.
Employers are expected to provide support to Area of Need doctors in their employment including an orientation program and assistance towards obtaining specialist registration.
A request to extend the Area of Need status for this position will require a written application addressing the criteria for the Program, and where there is an incumbent in the position, information on their progression towards obtaining specialist registration.
This certificate provides for Area of Need doctors to carry out the duties outlined in the position description, and the approved locations specified on this certificate only.
Approval must be sought from the NSW Department of Health prior to any proposed changes to the role or work location specified on this certificate. In such circumstances, the Medical Board of Australia may also need to reassess the suitability of the incumbent and the terms on which registration was conferred.
Area of Need status for a position does not represent NSW Department of Health's support for a candidate's application to change visa status, nor for an employer nomination to sponsor a candidate for permanent residency.
