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Rural Locum Assistance Program

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Deakin, ACT
Rural Locum Assistance Program

We are dedicated to alleviating the pressures of workforce shortages in rural and remote Australia

The Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) supports rural and remote health services by sourcing locums to cover personal or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) leave. Anaesthetists (specialists and GPs), obstetricians (specialists and GPs), nurses, midwives and allied health professionals located in Modified Monash Model (MMM) categories 2-7 are eligible to apply. Rural LAP covers leave for up to 14 working days for MMM 2-7 categories and up to 28 days for MMM 5-7 categories (noting that priority will be given to placements with a CPD component or located in categories 6 and 7). The program also offers financial assistance to urban GPs who require emergency medicine training. To be eligible for support, you must be willing to undertake a general practice locum placement in rural and remote Australia. Rural LAP combines the Rural Obstetric and Anaesthetic Locum Scheme (ROALS), the Nursing and Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme (NAHRLS) and the Rural Locum Education Assistance Program (Rural LEAP). The aims of the amalgamated program include:

- enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals in rural Australia to take leave and undertake CPD activities
- improving the retention of these health professionals in rural locations
- upskilling metropolitan-based GP professional competencies in Emergency Medicine.

26/02/2026

See Rural LAP on the Gold Coast! We will be exhibiting at the APP Pharmacy Conference at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 12-14 March.

Come and say hello to Lisi and Olivia, who will be on hand to fill you in on all things Rural LAP, including how to request support and become a locum. We also have our prize wheel primed and ready to go for your chance to win some cool prizes to take home with you.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the Gold Coast.

24/02/2026

Receive workforce support from Rural LAP

Rural LAP offers fee-free workforce support to eligible healthcare facilities, helping your team take annual leave and CPD leave without disruption to patient care.

We cover the cost of locum travel and accommodation, plus all incentives — so your facility only needs to cover the locum wage, superannuation and any applicable taxes.

No disruption. No extra cost. Just seamless support.

Plan ahead and apply for support now: https://bit.ly/3vMvXnZ

19/02/2026

Calling allied health professionals!

Looking for a rewarding way to use your skills while exploring rural and remote Australia? Join Rural LAP as a locum and make a real difference in communities that need your support the most.

Whether you're a chiropractor, occupational therapist, pharmacist, physiotherapist, speech pathologist or another allied health expert, you'll have the chance to:
> Work flexibly on short-term placements
> Travel to unique locations across Australia
> Support vital health services in rural and remote areas
> Be backed by a supportive team, every step of the way

Ready to take the next step in your career and begin an extraordinary adventure?

Find out more and apply today - https://bit.ly/3T5GkN8

16/02/2026

Post-night shift adventures on Flinders Island, TAS.

A huge thank you to locum Janelle Ma for sharing these beautiful snaps from her time exploring the island (with the Rural LAP lunch cooler in tow!).

We love seeing our locums making the most of regional Australia while supporting local communities.

13/02/2026

Travel Australia as a locum with Rural LAP, featuring Mount Gambier, SA. Population 26,500.

Mount Gambier is South Australia’s largest regional city and sits in the heart of the Limestone Coast, just a short drive from both the Victorian border and some of Australia’s most stunning coastal scenery. Known for its volcanic landscapes, lush parks and vibrant local community, it’s a fantastic destination for locums who want a mix of regional living and adventure.

Enjoy the beauty of the country and explore Mount Gambier when you're not working, including:
>> Blue Lake – one of Mount Gambier’s most iconic natural attractions, famous for its vivid blue colour during the warmer months.
>> Umpherston Sinkhole – a beautiful hidden garden set inside a collapsed limestone cave, perfect for an easy walk and photo stop.
>> Engelbrecht Cave – explore the fascinating cave system beneath the city, popular with adventure seekers and cave divers.

Not a locum with Rural LAP, visit our website to find out how to sign up - https://bit.ly/48Ve3Oc

Please note that we can not guarantee placements in all locations we support. This is due to clinic needs and positions available. If you would like more information on locations you can attend with your qualifications, please speak with your program officer.

11/02/2026

We love our locums, without them, Rural LAP wouldn't exist! So when we get feedback like the below from Debby, a Rural LAP Personal Care Worker, we are so happy to be a part of it.

💬 "Working with Rural LAP gives me the freedom of work/life balance, it has given me the chance to spend time with my husband and my family abroad in Egypt, and my family in Australia. I have the opportunity to acquire more skills with each new facility I am blessed to work in and I have met some amazing people from Rural LAP and have made some lovely friendships on my journey.

In my short time with Rural LAP, I have worked in the small town of Holbrook - famous for its big submarine in central NSW, finding the staff, management team and the wonderful residents very accepting of me into their facility."

If you are a healthcare professional wanting to create a better work/life balance for yourself, why not give Rural LAP a go - find out more information on our website - www.rurallap.com.au

04/02/2026

Are you a healthcare professional wanting to make a difference in rural and remote Australia?

Join our network of dedicated healthcare professionals. We’re looking for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to provide short-term locum support to communities that need it most.

Why you should join Rural LAP?
> Flexible locum opportunities across rural and remote Australia
> Travel, accommodation and incentives covered
> Make an impact while exploring incredible locations

If you’re passionate about healthcare and ready for your next adventure, we want to hear from you.

Learn more on our website - www.rurallap.com.au

02/02/2026

Are you an aged care provider in a rural or remote community? Rural LAP can help you build a strong, stable workforce with generous relocation incentives and retention bonuses for new permanent team members.

Relocation incentives:
>> Eligible aged care workers who move from a metropolitan or regional area (MM 1–3) to a rural or remote community (MM 4–7) can receive up to $16,500 to support relocation costs. (Available to registered and enrolled nurses, facility managers, care coordinators, support workers, and personal care workers).

Retention bonuses:
>> To support workforce stability, eligible workers can receive annual retention bonuses of up to $3,700 (MM 4) or up to $6,000 (MM 5–7) for two years after relocation.

Please note: Applications must be approved before relocation to receive incentive payments.
Ready to grow your aged care team.

Call us on 1800 861 819 or email agedcare@rurallap.com.au to find out more or apply.

30/01/2026

At Rural LAP, we’re committed to helping aged care providers in regional communities maintain safe and consistent care, especially during staff leave and workforce shortages.

Here’s what Geegeelup Village Inc in Bridgetown, WA had to say about Rural LAP's support:

💬 “Geegeelup Village Inc in Bridgetown, Western Australia, has been supported by Rural LAP for close to two years now. The registered nurses provided have been genuine and caring and have assisted us greatly with the continuance of the highest quality care for our residents.

The administrative staff have been wonderful to work with and have put in incredible efforts on our behalf. We feel that they are very much part of our team when they assist us in covering for our staff.”

Thank you for allowing us to support your team and residents.

26/01/2026

Congratulations to our lovely Lizzie, who last week celebrated 10 years with Rural LAP!

For the last 10 years, Lizzie has played a pivotal role in the ongoing success of the program, and we can't thank her enough for her continued dedication and passion for rural and remote healthcare!

Cheers to 10 years, Lizzie 🥂!

22/01/2026

Travel Australia as a locum with Rural LAP, featuring Renmark, SA. Population 4,634.

Located on the Murray River, Renmark is one of South Australia’s most picturesque river towns, filled with stunning waterways, vibrant local produce and rich history. Just over 250 km northeast of Adelaide, Renmark offers a peaceful escape surrounded by iconic red gums, citrus orchards, and breathtaking river views.

When you're not working, you can enjoy the following activities:
>> Cruise the Murray River – Take in the scenery on a relaxing river cruise or hire a kayak to explore at your own pace.
>> Visit the Riverfront and Jarrett Memorial Gardens – A beautiful spot for walking trails, picnics and enjoying the region’s peaceful natural landscape.
>> Chaffey Theatre and Local Dining – Catch a show at the theatre or explore Renmark’s growing food and wine scene, including nearby Riverland breweries and wineries.
>> Sunset at the lookout – Head to scenic viewpoints around Renmark for unforgettable river sunsets.

Not a locum with Rural LAP yet? Visit our website to find out how to sign up – https://bit.ly/48Ve3Oc

Please note we cannot guarantee placements in all locations we support. This depends on clinic needs and available positions. If you’d like more information on locations you may be eligible for, please speak with your Program Officer.

19/01/2026

Are you a GP or specialist obstetrician looking to expand your horizons? Join Rural LAP and bring essential care to Australia's rural and remote communities.

Why become a Rural LAP locum?
> Deliver vital obstetric services where they're needed most.
> All your travel and accommodation are covered.
> Receive a daily travel allowance of $100.
> Earn a competitive hourly wage plus superannuation.

By stepping in, you support local healthcare professionals in taking necessary leave, ensuring uninterrupted care for communities.

Ready to embark on this rewarding journey? Learn more and submit an EOI at www.rurallap.com.au

Address

Suite 17S 2 King Street
Deakin, ACT
2600

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

1800 RURAL LAP (78725 527)

Website

http://rurallap.com.au/

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Our Story

The Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) combines the Rural Obstetric and Anaesthetic Locum Scheme (ROALS), the Nursing and Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme (NAHRLS) and the Rural Locum Education Assistance Program (Rural LEAP). The aims of the amalgamated program include enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals in rural Australia to take leave and undertake continuing professional development (CPD) activities and improving the retention of these health professionals in rural locations. The program will also enhance the ability of metropolitan-based general practitioners (GPs) to upskill professional competencies in Emergency Medicine. Rural LAP was established by the Australian Government to support specialist and GP obstetricians and anaesthetists, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in rural and remote Australia to take leave from their work for up to 14 working days (categories 2-7) for recreation and CPD leave and up to 28 working days for remote placements (categories 5-7) supporting recreation and CPD (noting that priority will be given to placements with a CPD component or located in MMM categories 6 and 7). Rural LAP also offers financial assistance to urban GPs who require training in order for them to become rural locums. Training for Rural LAP focusses on emergency medicine and to be eligible you must be willing to undertake a general practice locum placement in rural and remote Australia.