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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.

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

15/01/2026

For registered midwife and nurse Gloria Albert, locum work with Rural LAP has been more than a job, it’s been a 12-year journey of connection, purpose and adventure across some of Australia’s most unique communities.

“Feeling part of the work family and feeling very much a part of the team” is what Gloria says she enjoys most on placement and it’s a feeling she’s experienced time and time again.

Over the years, Gloria has supported rural communities across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, the NT and South Australia. Everywhere she goes, she is welcomed with open arms:
💬 “Every community has made me feel welcome. The staff are always happy to guide me and make me feel appreciated. I’ve been invited to social gatherings, taken to local points of interest, and asked to come back again.”

Locum work has also taken Gloria to places she may never have seen otherwise, including the stunning South Coast, which she now considers a special part of her work/life balance.

Her advice to other health professionals thinking about joining Rural LAP? “Join up! You get paid to travel and explore. You get to meet new people and explore different ways of life. It’s a win-win.”

Thank you, Gloria, for the incredible contribution you continue to make to rural and remote healthcare and for sharing glimpses of your travels along the way.

13/01/2026

Are you a nurse ready to take your career somewhere extraordinary?

Step into a role where your skills truly matter. When you join Rural LAP, you’ll support rural and remote communities across Australia through short-term placements that offer purpose, connection and adventure.

As a Rural LAP nurse, you’ll enjoy:
> Paid travel and accommodation
> $150 per working day in incentives
> $100 per day travel allowance
> The opportunity to work in incredible locations across Australia

If you’re seeking variety, new experiences, or a more meaningful way to use your skills, this is your chance to make a real impact and explore some of Australia’s most unique communities along the way.

Start your Rural LAP journey today - https://bit.ly/48QBQ2b

12/01/2026

You deserve a break, let Rural LAP help you do so.

Rural LAP offers fee-free support to your healthcare facility so your staff can take annual and CPD leave without disruption to patient care. We cover the cost of locum travel and accommodation as well as all incentives, so all you need to cover is the locum wage, superannuation and any applicable taxes (there are zero fees from Rural LAP).

No disruption, no extra cost, just seamless support.

Let us help you plan ahead - apply for support now, https://bit.ly/3vMvXnZ

04/01/2026

The Rural LAP team is officially back on deck and ready to support rural and remote health services across Australia.

If your service needs locum coverage, now is the perfect time to reach out.

Our team is here to help you start the year smoothly, with experienced locums available across a wide range of health professions.

Submit your request or get in touch, we’re ready when you are.

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

31/12/2025

Happy New Year from Rural LAP!

As we welcome 2026, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our incredible locums, health services and the rural and remote communities we serve across Australia.

Your dedication, resilience and compassion throughout the past year have made a profound difference and we’re honoured to continue this important work alongside you.

May the year ahead bring you health, connection, purpose and opportunity, wherever your journey takes you.

Happy New Year!

30/12/2025

For Optometrist Karen Gunsar, working with Rural LAP has been a reminder of the real impact locums can make in communities that truly need them.

Karen shared that one of the most rewarding parts of her placements has been reconnecting with long-forgotten skills, learning new ones and meeting Australians who live very differently from those in major cities.

💬 “Rural LAP provides a real opportunity to meet and help that large cohort of Australians who live quite differently from those on the Eastern seaboard cities. It allows variation in one’s profession and gives real purpose.”

Karen captured her journey with a snapshot of her arrival at Moree Airport — followed by a 1.5-hour drive to her placement — a true reflection of the adventure and diversity rural practice brings.

Thank you, Karen, for your dedication and for supporting communities that rely on visiting practitioners more than ever.

24/12/2025

🎄 Warm wishes from the Rural LAP team!

To everyone in our Rural LAP community, our locums, health services, partners and the many rural and remote communities we support, we wish you a safe, restful and joyful festive season.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or simply enjoy the chance to pause and connect with loved ones at this time of year, we are grateful for the incredible contribution you make to healthcare across Australia.

Thank you for your dedication, compassion and commitment throughout 2025. We look forward to continuing our work together in the new year.

Wishing you peace, kindness and connection today and always.

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.