About the DPA classification
We use health workforce classification systems to help improve access to medical services in areas experiencing health workforce shortages.
The DPA classification system does this by:
- identifying areas experiencing general practitioner (GP) service shortages
- directing location-restricted doctors to these areas.
For example, to be eligible for Medicare, international medical graduates who want to work in Australia as a GP must work in practices located in a DPA.
When you can request a review
Medical practices can request a review of their catchment's DPA classification if:
- there are exceptional circumstances affecting access to GP services across their GP catchment
- the last annual DPA update did not consider these circumstances.
If approved, practices in that GP catchment can access several workforce programs until the next scheduled DPA update. This includes programs that support access to a broader pool of doctors to recruit from, such as:
Who can request a review
GP practices must consult with their local Rural Workforce Agency (RWA) about the situation in their catchment. The RWA can then apply for a review on behalf of the practice for their GP catchment. We will not accept applications received directly from practices or individuals.
To Be eligible for a DPA review, the practice must be in a Modified Monash (MM) Model MM 1 outer-metropolitan location.
MM 1 inner-metropolitan locations are not eligible for DPA status. MM 2 to 7 areas are automatically DPA.
Check your area’s geographical classification on the Health Workforce Locator map.
How we consider review requests
When we receive a request from an RWA, we do an initial assessment. This assessment considers:
- information provided by the applicant practice (or practices)
- information from the RWA on the workforce situation in the catchment
- information from the Primary Health Network (if provided)
- GP service and health workforce distribution data
- Australian Bureau of Statistics population and demographic data.
We make a recommendation to the minister, who decides the outcome of the review.
We advise the RWA of the outcome, who will then advise the practice (or practices).
Exceptional circumstances framework
The below principles will be considered when the catchment meets the When you can request a review requirements.
Changes to health services, workforce, or health system
When major unexpected changes to the health workforce have led to a substantial decrease in health services to the community.
This may include:
- changes in service arrangements
- doctors retiring without a replacement
- hospital or other practice closures.
Patient demographics or changes
When areas have a patient demographic that:
- has had an unexpected sharp increase in numbers, resulting in the catchment being underserviced
- needs specialised services.
The review process also considers changes in a catchment's:
- socio-economic status
- proportion of senior people
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
Absence of services
When areas have:
- demonstrated difficulties in recruiting or retaining doctors
- difficulties that are measurably worse than similar communities.
Outcomes of reviews
We publish review outcomes, including a summary of the assessment, to ensure transparency.
We update the Health Workforce Locator map every year to incorporate these changes.
| State/territory | GP catchment | DPA status outcome | Outcome summary |
| NSW | Campbelltown (NSW) | Not Granted | The DPA classification of Campbelltown (NSW) was considered by the Distribution Working Group (DWG) in October 2025. The following factors were considered:
The minister has not granted DPA status for this GP catchment. The catchment is not considered to meet the requirements for exceptional circumstances. |
| NSW | Mount Druitt | Not Granted | The DPA classification of Mount Druitt (NSW) was considered by the Distribution Working Group (DWG) in October 2025. The following factors were considered:
The minister has not granted DPA status for this GP catchment. The catchment is not considered to meet the requirements for exceptional circumstances. |
| VIC | Lilydale-Yarra Valley | Not Granted | The DPA classification of Lilydale-Yarra Valley (VIC) was considered by the Distribution Working Group (DWG) in October 2025. The following factors were considered:
The minister has not granted DPA status for this GP catchment. The catchment is not considered to meet the requirements for exceptional circumstances. |
| VIC | Mill Park-Epping | Not Granted | The DPA classification of Mill Park-Epping (VIC) was considered by the Distribution Working Group (DWG) in October 2025. The following factors were considered:
The minister has not granted DPA status for this GP catchment. The catchment is not considered to meet the requirements for exceptional circumstances. |
| VIC | Tullamarine-Broadmeadows | Not Granted | The DPA classification of Tullamarine-Broadmeadows (VIC) was considered by the Distribution Working Group (DWG) in October 2025. The following factors were considered:
The minister has not granted DPA status for this GP catchment. The catchment is not considered to meet the requirements for exceptional circumstances. |
See previous review outcome summaries
