District of Workforce Shortage Specialist

The District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) classification system for non-GP specialists is an impartial mechanism used by the Government to encourage a more equitable distribution of non-GP specialist doctors who are restricted under s19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Foreign Graduates of Accredited Medical Schools (FGAMS).\r\n•\tThe DWS classification system is also used to distribute Australian-trained Bonded non-GP specialists who have a return of service obligation.\r\n•\tThe DWS system as applied to specialists refers to the broadest grouping of a specialty and includes all sub-categories of that specialty (i.e. identifies the Derived Major Specialty)\r\n•\tThe DWS uses population and Medicare billing data to determine a specialist-to-population ratio in SA3 geographical regions of Australia.\r\n•\tAreas classified ASGS – RA 3-5 under the ABS’ Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Areas (ASGS – RA) are automatically DWS for distributed specialties. \r\n•\tThere are currently eight specialties subject to distribution using the DWS classification system:\r\no\tAnaesthetics\r\no\tCardiology\r\no\tDiagnostic Radiology\r\no\tGeneral Surgery\r\no\tMedical Oncology\r\no\tObstetrics and Gynaecology\r\no\tOphthalmology\r\no\tPsychiatry\r\n•\tThe attached file for the DWS as at November 2023 (most recent annual update). As the files may be updated at short notice for program purposes, please ensure you use the Health Workforce Locator for the most up-to-date and official DWS location status.