A GP says gaining distribution priority area status has been useless for solving his practice’s doctor shortage because additional red tape means they can’t recruit IMGs anyway. 

In a move that alarmed doctors across the NSW Central Coast, back in 2019 dozens of practices in the region were suddenly stripped of their ability to bring in doctors from overseas to fill workforce holes. 

Dr Brad Cranney said he recently secured an exemption under a new “exceptional circumstances” system run by the Federal Health Department, which takes into account the elderly population, workforce issues and the number of patients forced to go elsewhere for care. 

But he said he was struggling to go through the paperwork needed to obtain a “health workforce certificate” which is also needed before offering an employer-sponsored visa for IMGs.