How to become a locum GP in Australia
Step-by-step guide to becoming a locum GP in Australia: AHPRA registration, Medicare provider numbers, FRACGP/vocational recognition, indemnity, sole trader vs Pty Ltd, GST/BAS, PSI, and super.
Medical Board of Australia (via AHPRA)
AHPRA general registration with general-practice scope required.
Typical Australian locum GP earnings (2026): metro clinics commonly 60-70% of billings (often $1,500-$2,500/day equivalent), rural and after-hours placements $1,800-$2,500+/day with travel and accommodation frequently covered.
A locum GP covers clinical work on a session-by-session basis for the organizations that need them, as a self-employed professional rather than a salaried employee. This guide walks through everything you need to do to start, in order, and the common pitfalls that catch people in their first year.
Step by step
Your path to your first booking
7 steps, in the order that actually keeps you booked and paid.
Hold the right AHPRA registration
You need current general registration with the Medical Board of Australia through AHPRA, with no conditions that block independent practice. Most GP locum work expects Fellowship (FRACGP or FACRRM) and vocational recognition for the higher Medicare rebates. If you have been overseas, confirm your registration status and any supervision requirements before accepting bookings.
Get a Medicare provider number for each location
Medicare provider numbers are issued per practice location through Services Australia (HPOS). You need one for every clinic you bill from, so request them early. Vocationally Registered GPs access the higher A1 rebates; non-VR GPs and those on a placement attract lower rebates. Keep your provider numbers organised: Sessional tracks one per workplace.
Secure medical indemnity
Medical indemnity is mandatory for AHPRA registration. Avant, MIGA, and MDA National are the main medical defence organisations. Cover must reflect your actual scope (procedural work, cosmetic, obstetrics push the premium up). Confirm run-off and retroactive cover before switching insurers. Do not start clinical work without an active policy.
Decide sole trader vs Pty Ltd (and watch PSI)
Most new locum GPs start as sole traders for simplicity. A company (Pty Ltd) or trust can help once income is substantial, but the Personal Services Income rules usually apply to a solo GP because more than 50% of income is for your personal skill and effort, which limits income splitting and some deductions. Get advice from an accountant who understands PSI before incorporating.
Register for an ABN, GST and a business bank account
You need an ABN to invoice. GST registration is compulsory once turnover passes $75,000, and most clinic-service income is GST-free as medical services anyway, so model your mix carefully. A separate business bank account keeps bookkeeping clean. Set a minimum daily rate before you start offering: it is much harder to push a rate up than to hold it.
Find your first bookings
Options: direct approach to local clinics (highest margin), GP locum agencies, rural and remote placements through Rural Workforce Agencies (often with travel and accommodation covered), and digital platforms. Most established locum GPs mix two or three. Rural and after-hours cover pays a premium. Start with practices you already know.
Set up your own super
As an independent contractor you fund your own superannuation: there is no employer Super Guarantee on genuine contracting income. Personal concessional contributions are deductible up to the annual cap. Do not leave the money in cash. Sessional surfaces a recommended reserve so super does not get forgotten between BAS quarters.
Get organised
Documents to have ready
Keep these current and in one place. Sessional sends reminders 30 days before each expiry.
- AHPRA registration certificate (general registration)
- Medicare provider number confirmation (one per location)
- Medical indemnity certificate (Avant / MIGA / MDA National)
- FRACGP / FACRRM evidence + vocational recognition status
- National Police Check
- CPR / BLS and immunisation evidence (per workplace policy)
- Working With Children Check (state-dependent)
- Up-to-date CV + CPD record
7
Steps to your first booking, in order
8
Documents to keep current and in one place
5
First-year pitfalls to sidestep
30
Days notice before each expiry, so nothing lapses
Built for AHPRA-registered health professionals starting out as locums and sole traders.
Learn from others
First-year pitfalls
The mistakes that quietly cost new locums time, money, and bookings.
- Starting at a clinic without its Medicare provider number issued, so claims cannot be batched and you carry the cashflow gap
- Confusing a daily rate with a percentage-of-billings arrangement (many clinics offer 60-70% of billings, not a flat day rate)
- Forgetting to set aside roughly 30% for income tax plus the Medicare levy, with nothing withheld at source
- Not tracking business mileage at the ATO 88c/km rate, easily $500-$2,000 of deductions missed in year one
- Assuming indemnity is automatic; the paid-up policy matching your scope is what matters
Keep going
Tools and guides to take next
Last reviewed April 2026. Rates and regulator details change. If something looks off, let us know.
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