What if the practice I’ve been offered a job with loses DPA?
This is a FAQ BLOG and you can refer to our 19AB & IMGs blog here.
Need help understanding your pathway?
Date Updated: 2026-08-11
The District Priority Area (DPA) is being updated every year. The most recent update took effect on March 2025.
An area’s DPA classification may change if there’s a substantial change in access to health care compared to the previous one, which may be due to the workforce, the size, or the makeup of the population.
If your practice’s DPA status was removed, it just means that patients now have more access to GP services.
If the location loses DPA, can I still be recruited?
Yes – If you have the evidence that you were in negotiations prior to DPA being lost then you can apply to the Department of Health for an exemption based on this fact. The evidence will be reviewed and approved accordingly.
If you also have an existing 19AB exemption when your practice loses the DPA status, you can still work at the location as long as you meet the conditions of the exemption.
What evidence will I need to provide?
The best form of evidence is a signed contract and a screenshot of the practice location while it was a DPA location. This gives you the best opportunity of success with your applications.
The Department of Health has access to what was DPA previously, and other documentation can include emails discussing interview confirmations or the details of the contract. There needs to be clear and concise evidence that there was intent to offer/accept a job.
How long can this evidence be presented?
Indefinitely. The Department understands it can take time to go through the negotiation process, and if required through PESCI and AHPRA and so there is no expiry time on applying for this exemption.
We Can Help You
Here at People Medical Consulting, we have a passion for guiding medical practitioners through their career pathways to Australia. We have extensive experience in assisting medical facilities in recruiting doctors from local and overseas who will best suit their requirements.
We provide Document Assistance for those requiring support for their PESCI with IME, ACRRM or RACGP, registration and all other mandatory AHPRA requirements, fellowship program related forms and letters, application for Medicare provider and prescriber numbers, application for 19AB or 19AA exemptions and preparation of employment documents.
If you want to talk to someone about your pathway or practice management—book a consultation with us below, or if you need Recruitment or Document Assistance, contact us at help@peoplemedical.com.au or click the buttons below. We’d be glad to help you!
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