Governments are working together to boost rural healthcare in Queensland.

The Australian and Queensland Governments have announced a four-year Single Employer Model (SEM) trial, set to begin in February 2025.

The program will support up to 60 full-time equivalent general practitioner (GP) and rural generalist trainees across northern, central, and southern parts of the state.

Rural generalists are GPs with additional training to provide a broader range of medical services in remote areas. Unlike traditional models where trainees change employers with each placement, SEM trainees will be salaried employees of the Queensland Government. 

This structure is intended to offers job stability, guaranteed income, and benefits such as annual, parental, and sick leave, similar to hospital-based doctors.

The Queensland Government says the program would improve access to essential services like obstetrics and anaesthetics, supporting the sustainability of birthing services.

Building on successful 2024 pilot programs, the SEM trial aims to strengthen healthcare delivery in rural areas while encouraging doctors to establish long-term careers within these communities.

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