Queensland health worker shortage: $70k offered to lure interstate and overseas staff

Interstate doctors and health workers will be lured with up to $70,000 in cash to work in Queensland in a bid to boost the state’s crippling staff shortages.

Interstate doctors and health workers will be lured with up to $70,000 in cash to work in Queensland in a bid to boost the state’s crippling staff shortages.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Wednesday the government’s new Workforce Attraction Incentive Transfer Scheme, with extra cash for those who take up jobs in rural and regional parts of the state.

“With global competition for health workers at an all-time high, our government is dedicated to doing everything that we can to attract and retain frontline health workers,” she said.

Applicants can choose from more than 2400 communities across the state, but must commit to staying for at least a year.

Under the new scheme, interstate and international healthcare workers who move into Queensland – including Brisbane – will receive $10,000 when they start and $10,000 after 12 months.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath. Pic: Steve Pohlner

This includes doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and dentists.

Medical practitioners who move to a rural or remote location will also receive $25,000 after three months, and a further $25,000 after a year.

Regions includes Bowen, Torres Strait, Mareeba, Atherton, Emerald, Longreach, Charleville, Blackall, Roma, Mount Isa and Cloncurry.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the government we had to think outside the square to lure doctors here as opposed to other parts of the country”.

“Innovative policies like this means every dollar works hard for Queenslanders delivering the right care at the right time, in the right place,” she said.

“Every Queenslander deserves quality, world class health care no matter where they live.

“It really is a win-win, more quality healthcare workers in our unique regional and remote communities, more efficient use of resources and a great career memories to be made.

“We welcome healthcare workers to experience why we all love Queensland while also making a new life delivering positive results and peace of mind for our regional and remote communities”.