Rural Locum Assistance Program

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.

Strengthening rural healthcare, one placement at a time.Across Australia, many rural and remote communities rely on dedi...
23/03/2026

Strengthening rural healthcare, one placement at a time.

Across Australia, many rural and remote communities rely on dedicated local health services, but when staff need to take leave or unexpected staffing gaps occur, maintaining continuity of care can be challenging.

That’s where Rural LAP steps in.

We connect qualified, experienced locum health professionals with rural and remote clinics, ensuring essential services remain open and communities continue receiving the care they depend on.

With fee-free program support, seamless coordination and all travel and accommodation covered for our locums, Rural LAP makes it simple for health services to access the workforce assistance they need.

To learn more about Rural LAP and how we can support you visit our website - www.rurallap.com.au

Pharmacists, your expertise is needed in rural and remote Australia!Are you looking for a career that’s both rewarding a...
19/03/2026

Pharmacists, your expertise is needed in rural and remote Australia!

Are you looking for a career that’s both rewarding and full of adventure? As a locum pharmacist with Rural LAP, you can combine your professional skills with the chance to explore some of Australia’s most unique communities.

Here’s what you can look forward to:
> Make a genuine impact by supporting communities where access to healthcare can be limited
> Experience diverse practice settings and expand your clinical knowledge
> Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to choose when you work
> Discover breathtaking locations, new friendships and a better work-life balance

Locum work isn’t just about filling a role, it’s about becoming part of a community, sharing your expertise and helping ensure rural Australians have access to quality healthcare.

If you’re ready to take your pharmacy career beyond the dispensary and into the heart of regional Australia, we’d love to hear from you!

Learn more and register your interest today - https://bit.ly/3T5GkN8

Without our amazing locums, Rural LAP wouldn't exist! Here's some feedback we received from one of our Locum Personal Ca...
18/03/2026

Without our amazing locums, Rural LAP wouldn't exist! Here's some feedback we received from one of our Locum Personal Care Workers, Guirong, who recently completed a placement in the picturesque Southern Downs Region in QLD.

💬 "My experience with the Rural LAP team has been incredibly rewarding. What I have loved most about the placement is the opportunity to travel to different rural areas across Australia. Each placement has allowed me to meet a diverse range of people and immerse myself in different community cultures, which had been professionally and personally enriching.

Furthermore, the variety of assignments has helped me pick up new skills that I wouldn't have acquired otherwise. I also want to highlight the exceptional support from the program officers; the coordination and administrative backing were consistently professional and made every transition seamless."

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

Come and say hello to Lisi and Olivia at the APP Conference today and tomorrow at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibiti...
13/03/2026

Come and say hello to Lisi and Olivia at the APP Conference today and tomorrow at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The lovely ladies can tell you everything you want to know about becoming a Rural LAP locum or requesting support for your team. Here they are with Thura, one of our fab locum pharmacists (and a mysterious man)!

Don't forget to scan our QR code for a spin of our prize wheel to win yourself some great goodies!

Travel Australia as a locum with Rural LAP, featuring Oatlands, TAS. Population approx. 700.Located in Tasmania’s Southe...
11/03/2026

Travel Australia as a locum with Rural LAP, featuring Oatlands, TAS. Population approx. 700.

Located in Tasmania’s Southern Midlands, Oatlands is a charming historic town known for its beautifully preserved Georgian architecture and strong sense of community. Just over an hour north of Hobart, Oatlands offers a relaxed rural lifestyle surrounded by rolling farmland, heritage streetscapes and fresh country air.

When you're not working, you can enjoy the following activities:
>> Explore the historic town centre – Wander past more than 150 sandstone buildings, many dating back to the early 1800s.
>> Visit Callington Mill – Tour the restored Lincolnshire-style windmill and learn about the town’s colonial history.
>> Relax by Lake Dulverton – A peaceful spot for walking, birdwatching or a quiet picnic.
>> Day trips across the Midlands – Enjoy easy access to Hobart, Launceston, wineries and national parks.

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.

We are looking for anaesthetists who want to shake up their work/life balance! Rural LAP offers placements of up to 14 d...
10/03/2026

We are looking for anaesthetists who want to shake up their work/life balance!

Rural LAP offers placements of up to 14 days and up to 28 days depending on your placement location meaning you can work around your personal life and take placements that suit your lifestyle. You will receive your hourly wage (plus superannuation), a $100 per day travel allowance, plus we pay for all your travel and accommodation.

Join Rural LAP today and enjoy an experience like no other, while supporting healthcare in rural and remote communities of Australia. Submit an expression of interest today - https://bit.ly/48QBQ2b

Imagine working in a job where every placement feels like a new adventure.As a Rural LAP locum, you’ll explore new place...
10/03/2026

Imagine working in a job where every placement feels like a new adventure.

As a Rural LAP locum, you’ll explore new places, meet incredible teams and provide vital care to rural and remote communities in need. Your flights and accommodation are covered, plus you receive travel incentives, all you need to do is bring your skills and passion!

Join Rural LAP today, https://bit.ly/48QBQ2b

See Rural LAP on the Gold Coast! We will be exhibiting at the APP Pharmacy Conference at the Gold Coast Convention and E...
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.

Receive workforce support from Rural LAPRural LAP offers fee-free workforce support to eligible healthcare facilities, h...
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

Calling allied health professionals!Looking for a rewarding way to use your skills while exploring rural and remote Aust...
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

Post-night shift adventures on Flinders Island, TAS.A huge thank you to locum Janelle Ma for sharing these beautiful sna...
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.

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

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

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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.