A crossbench MP and former GP locum says a government-owned locum agency could save taxpayers millions of dollars currently spent on commissions for private recruiters.

The NSW Government is considering establishing its own locum agency, having paid around $37 million in commissions to 59 private locum agencies in 2022/2023 on top of locums’ pay.

Advertised locum rates can reach $4000 a day depending on the role.

NSW Greens health spokeswoman Dr Amanda Cohn said earlier this year that, as a rural locum, recruiters had discouraged her from accepting jobs until hospitals were offering crisis rates.