What are the advantages of being a Locum?
When am I eligible to Locum?
How do I become a Locum Doctor?
Can I work anywhere as a locum?
How much will I get paid as a Locum?
How will I receive payment for my shifts?
Do I need Medical Indemnity to work as a Locum doctor?
How do I obtain an ABN and do I need to register for GST?
Do I need to apply for a provider number to locum?

What are the advantages of being a Locum?

Becoming a Locum, whether full or part-time, provides you with a number of advantages. The main benefits to you are:

•  Increased flexibility and freedom of working providing lifestyle choice
•  Increased exposure and experience of different healthcare facilities
•  Increased income
•  The ability to combine work and travel
•  A means of finding out about future posts in a particular area of healthcare facility
•  A way of getting known and gaining contacts in a particular area or healthcare facility, for future career prospects

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When am I eligible to Locum?

To be able to locum in Australia or New Zealand, you must have completed your internship and be in at least your first post-graduate year. You must also hold unconditional medical registration in Australia or New Zealand and either be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or have unrestricted working rights in these countries. From September 2009 this includes being on a 457 business visa

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How do I become a Locum Doctor?

You've already taken the first step to becoming a Locum Doctor by visiting our website. The next step is to register with us. You will automatically be emailed all the registration documentation that you require and we will also personally contact you to help guide you through the registration process. You will be assigned an experienced consultant who will be able to answer all your questions.

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Can I work anywhere as a locum?

Yes you can. If you already have unconditional medical registration with one state, you can apply for mutual recognition with the other states. Be aware that some registration processes can take up to 21 days to process.

It should be noted that the cost of registration is your responsibility, although some hospitals may reimburse you. Queensland and the Northern Territory currently have 30 day free registration for first time registrants. Your Just Locum consultant can provide you with more details.

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How much will I get paid as a Locum?

Just Locum advertises pay at rates requested by the hospitals. We therefore do not have set rates and all hourly rates may vary depending on which hospital you work in and at what level.

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How will I receive payment for my shifts?

The hospital will pay you directly into your bank account. In Australia, most public hospitals pay locums via payroll and most private hospitals pay locums via ABN, (for ABN information and applications, please visit the following website: www.abr.gov.au). However, your Just Locum consultant will be able to assist, should you have any further queries.

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Do I need Medical Indemnity to work as a Locum doctor?

Just Locum are in the practice of recommending that all their locum doctors have medical indemnity cover, however this is not mandatory as it does depend on the hospital's payment method.

If being paid through PAYG, you are considered to be an employee of the hospital and therefore covered for Medical Indemnity through the hospital's policy. If being paid through ABN, you are required to have sufficient medical indemnity cover.

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How do I obtain an ABN and do I need to register for GST?

ABNs can be obtained online through the Australian Taxation Office's website: http://www.ato.gov.au/. GST registration is not required unless you are planning on earning over $75,000 per annum through your ABN.

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Do I need to apply for a provider number to locum?

Not usually. However, some hospitals may require you to have a provider number linked to their healthcare facility prior to commencement of your work there. Your Just Locum consultant will advise you if you need to apply for a provider number and supply you with the necessary forms.

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