Every January or February, we all do the same thing: we frantically refresh the Health Workforce Locator to see if the "DPA status" of our clinic has flipped.
Well, the DPA map update 2026 is officially here.
The map is based on Medicare billing stats. If your local GPs have been billing less (maybe someone retired or moved away), you might have gained status. If you’ve been busy bees, you might have lost it.
So, what does the new map mean for you, your roster, and your sanity? Let’s break it down.
The "Winners": You Gained DPA Status
Did your clinic just turn "DPA Yes"? Pop the champagne.
Seriously, this is a big deal. Gaining DPA status is effectively a "Get Out of Jail Free" card for recruitment. It unlocks the international workforce.
Why It’s Awesome
You can now hire International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are still restricted by the Section 19AB moratorium (the dreaded "10-year rule"). These are fantastic, experienced doctors who were previously banned from working in your postcode.
Your Move: Move Fast.
Here is the reality check: you aren’t the only clinic in town popping bottles. Your neighbours just got the same upgrade.
- Don't wait. Start advertising now.
- Sell the lifestyle. You have the perfect pitch—"City lifestyle, DPA eligible." That is gold dust for an IMG wanting to settle near a metro area.
The "Losers": You Lost DPA Status
Did your status flip to "DPA No"? Take a deep breath. It’s not game over.
We know it’s frustrating. One day you can hire anyone, the next day the door slams shut on 19AB-restricted doctors. But this isn't a recruitment death sentence; it just means you have to change tactics.
The Reality
You can no longer automatically hire restricted IMGs. Your pool has shrunk to:
- Aussie-trained GPs (VR or Non-VR).
- IMGs who have finished their 10-year moratorium (unrestricted).
Your Move: The "Pivot"
Stop looking for volume and start looking for specific targets.
- Target Unrestricted Locums. They cost a bit more, but they can start tomorrow without the Department of Health red tape.
- The "Replacement" Loophole. This is the secret weapon many GPs forget about. If a restricted doctor leaves you, you might be able to use a Replacement Provision to fill their specific spot with another IMG, even if you lost your DPA status.
- Pro Tip: Don't let a restricted doctor resign without checking if you can "bank" their spot first!
Wait, what about my current team?
Don't panic—nobody is getting kicked out.
One of the most common questions we get is: "Does the map update affect my current staff?" Short answer: No.
If you have a doctor working for you with a valid 19AB exemption, they are safe. They can keep working until that exemption expires. The DPA map update 2026 only changes the rules for new hires walking through the door tomorrow.
The Bottom Line
Whether the map turned green or red for you this year, the goal stays the same: getting good doctors into your consult rooms.
If you’re a "Winner," enjoy the influx of CVs. If you’re a "Loser," don't stress—get smart. There are always pathways to find talent if you know where to look.
Not sure if you qualify for a loophole? At Northbridge Healthcare, we eat Section 19AB for breakfast. Let’s chat about your strategy. Contact Northbridge Healthcare for a Recruitment Strategy Session.
🧠 Quick FAQ (Because we know you're busy)
Q: When does the 2026 DPA map actually start?
A: Usually at once upon release (Jan/Feb). The moment the map updates online, the new rules apply to new exemption applications.
Q: I lost DPA status. Can I still hire an IMG?
A: Only if they are "unrestricted" (finished their 10 years) or if you can find a specific exemption loophole like the Replacement Provision.
Q: My area is now DPA. Does that mean 19AB doesn't apply?
A: 19AB still applies to the doctor, but your DPA status means they will be granted an exemption to work there. You still have to do the paperwork!
About the Author
Peter Treacy is the General Manager of Northbridge Healthcare and a senior industry veteran with deep roots in the Australian healthcare and recruitment landscape.
More than just a recruiter, Peter acts as a strategic practice management consultant, recommending new and existing GP and Specialist clinics across NSW and Victoria on everything from operational fit-outs to complex business requirements. With extensive experience managing teams of up to 90 clinicians and staff, Peter understands the unique pressures of running a medical practice. He specializes in designing bespoke recruitment solutions—from executive search to bulk recruitment campaigns—helping clinics build high-performance cultures that last.
