A Guide for New Locum Doctors in Australia: Tips and Insights from a Kiwi Psychiatrist working in Australia

In this addition of Atmos medical’s quarterly blog, Co-Director Reece Percy sat down with fellow Kiwi Katharine Hayes to discuss the process of transitioning from the NZ Health system to Australia.

Working as a locum in Australia can be both an exciting and challenging experience, especially if you’re coming from New Zealand. Many processes, systems, and expectations may differ significantly from what you’re used to. As someone who navigated this transition, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you get oriented and make your locum journey smoother.

Navigating the AHPRA Process

One of the first hurdles you’ll face is registering with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). If your medical degree is from a New Zealand university, prepare ahead:

• Make sure to obtain original copies of your academic transcript or other proof of degree conferral before arriving in Australia, as AHPRA requires certified documents.
• Applying for AHPRA from New Zealand can be easier than from Australia. Documentation standards in Australia may differ, and some Australian documents (e.g., a Medicare card, driver’s license, or insurance policy) may be needed for the application process.
• Tip: NSW Justices of the Peace (JPs) may not certify photographic documents. If you face this, try visiting a local police station to get your documents certified.

Medical Insurance and Registration

• Filling out medico-legal insurance forms without a job lined up can be tricky. Consider using an insurance broker to help navigate this process.
• Insurance Increase: If you’re working in a public hospital but might see private patients, ensure you have adequate coverage.
• ABN & GST: You’ll need to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and GST registration, especially if you’re self-employed. Hiring an accountant is essential, particularly if, like me, your Australian citizenship certificate has a different name, which complicates things.
• For those who, like me, own property in New Zealand, consider finding an accountant familiar with both NZ and Australian tax systems to handle your financial affairs smoothly.

Hospital Requirements

Australian hospitals often have strict vaccination and blood test requirements. Although New Zealand also mandates these, Australian standards can be more comprehensive.

The Healthcare System

The Australian healthcare system has notable differences from New Zealand’s:

• Private Patients in Public Hospitals: This is a common practice in Australia, but it can be foreign to those coming from NZ.
• Working hours in public hospitals (like SE Sydney) typically run from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and on-call duties are often remote or via telephone, unlike NZ where locums are more likely to be called back in.
• Some hospitals might not have dictation services available, so be prepared to type up your own notes.
• Australia’s healthcare documentation system is more complex, with a state-wide system in NSW. Bring all relevant documentation for identification on your first day and expect to provide it multiple times.

Practical Tips

• Pay and Work Contracts: Understand the differences between hourly rates, on-call payments, and daily rates where on-call duties are included. The VMoney system in NSW is used – Important to speak with your agency to understand your entitlements.
• Medicare Numbers: Make sure to apply for both Medicare provider and prescriber numbers. In NZ, we use our Medical Council registration number for most things, but this is not the case in Australia.

Settling In: Living in Australia

Australia can feel a little foreign at first, so here are a few pointers:

• Renting: The rental market in Sydney is competitive, and finding short-term, furnished rentals can be tough. Consider renting furniture if needed.
• Transport & Driving: Public transport is excellent, but if you’re driving, you’ll need a Linkt box for toll roads. Remember to switch your driver’s license over within the first three months and inform AHPRA and other agencies of any address changes.
• Traffic Rules: Australian traffic rules are strictly enforced, with numerous speed and red-light cameras. It’s much easier to receive fines and demerit points here compared to NZ.