Rural Locum Assistance Program

Rural Locum Assistance Program We are dedicated to alleviating the pressures of workforce shortages in rural and remote Australia

The Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) supports rural and remote health services by sourcing locums to cover personal or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) leave. Anaesthetists (specialists and GPs), obstetricians (specialists and GPs), nurses, midwives and allied health professionals located in Modified Monash Model (MMM) categories 2-7 are eligible to apply. Rural LAP covers leave for up to 14 working days for MMM 2-7 categories and up to 28 days for MMM 5-7 categories (noting that priority will be given to placements with a CPD component or located in categories 6 and 7). The program also offers financial assistance to urban GPs who require emergency medicine training. To be eligible for support, you must be willing to undertake a general practice locum placement in rural and remote Australia. Rural LAP combines the Rural Obstetric and Anaesthetic Locum Scheme (ROALS), the Nursing and Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme (NAHRLS) and the Rural Locum Education Assistance Program (Rural LEAP). The aims of the amalgamated program include:

- enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals in rural Australia to take leave and undertake CPD activities
- improving the retention of these health professionals in rural locations
- upskilling metropolitan-based GP professional competencies in Emergency Medicine.

Breathe new life into your career as an anaesthetist locumAre you a GP or specialist anaesthetist looking to step out of...
28/08/2025

Breathe new life into your career as an anaesthetist locum

Are you a GP or specialist anaesthetist looking to step out of the ordinary and make a real difference in rural and remote communities?

With Rural LAP, you can combine your clinical expertise with travel, flexibility and purpose. Step into rewarding locum placements across Australia while supporting the rural and remote healthcare system.

> Travel to unique destinations
> Enjoy paid placements + covered travel and accommodation
> Expand your professional network
> Support communities that need you most

Whether you're seeking a change of pace, greater flexibility, or a chance to give back, Rural LAP is your pathway to meaningful locum work.

Learn more on our website - https://bit.ly/443DoWN

In the heart of South Australia’s mid-north, Burra Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) continues to deliver high-quality aged ca...
25/08/2025

In the heart of South Australia’s mid-north, Burra Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) continues to deliver high-quality aged care despite long-standing staffing shortages, thanks to the support of Rural LAP.

“Burra has always had excellent staff from Rural LAP, experienced, capable and happy to be here,” says Mary, Nurse Unit Manager at Burra MPS.

With Rural LAP, aged care and multi-purpose services gain access to:
> Professional, team-ready ENs and RNs
> Prompt and helpful support during applications
> Logistical ease, Rural LAP arranges all locum travel and accommodation
> A cost-effective solution that eases staffing pressure and budget constraints

Rural LAP isn’t just about filling shifts, it’s about keeping care flowing in communities that need it most.

To learn more about how Rural LAP supported Burra MPS visit our website - https://bit.ly/4eXMckH

Are you a registered nurse or midwife looking for a change of pace? Take your career off the beaten path with Rural LAP!...
22/08/2025

Are you a registered nurse or midwife looking for a change of pace? Take your career off the beaten path with Rural LAP!

Looking for flexibility, adventure and the chance to make a real impact? As a Rural LAP locum, you'll support rural and remote communities while enjoying the freedom to choose when you work.

> Rural LAP is an Australian Government-funded program
> You receive travel and working day incentives
> Travel and accommodation organised and covered by us
> Competitive wages
> Experience diverse health settings
> Grow your career while exploring Australia

Whether you're between roles, craving variety, or simply want to give back, Rural LAP offers meaningful locum opportunities with none of the hassle.

Ready to start your locum journey? Apply now - https://bit.ly/48QBQ2b

Did you know there are no fees or charges to access locum support through Rural LAP.Our Australian Government-funded pro...
19/08/2025

Did you know there are no fees or charges to access locum support through Rural LAP.

Our Australian Government-funded program makes it easy for eligible health and aged care services to access temporary workforce support, without additional costs.

> You simply pay the usual wages (including penalties, superannuation and applicable taxes) for the locum's placement period.
> Invoices are issued fortnightly, based on an approved timesheet.
> We handle the logistics, so you can focus on providing uninterrupted care.

Learn more about how Rural LAP can support your healthcare service - www.rurallap.com.au

When remote health services need reliable locum support to cover staff CPD or annual leave, maintaining continuity of ca...
13/08/2025

When remote health services need reliable locum support to cover staff CPD or annual leave, maintaining continuity of care is critical.

For Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service in Katherine, NT, Rural LAP has ensured their community continues to receive high-quality care, even when core staff are away.

“From finding locums on short notice to ensuring they have the right experience for primary healthcare, Rural LAP has exceeded our expectations,” says Parul Koirala, Practice Manager at Wurli Wurlinjang.

Rural LAP:
> Collaborates closely with remote health teams
> Source skilled locums
> Manages travel and accommodation logistics

This is more than recruitment, it’s a partnership built on trust, responsiveness and a shared commitment to care in rural and remote Australia.

Learn more about how Rural LAP has helped support Wurli Wurlinjang here - https://bit.ly/4lrpKCQ

Come and say hello to Lisi and Olivia at the National Allied Health Conference today and tomorrow at the Adelaide Conven...
11/08/2025

Come and say hello to Lisi and Olivia at the National Allied Health Conference today and tomorrow at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

The lovely ladies can tell you everything you want to know about becoming a Rural LAP locum or requesting support for your team.

Don't forget to have a pick of our lucky ducks to win yourself some goodies!

You'll find us at booth 13.

Today, Rural LAP proudly celebrates the compassion and dedication of aged‑care teams in rural and remote Australia. From...
06/08/2025

Today, Rural LAP proudly celebrates the compassion and dedication of aged‑care teams in rural and remote Australia. From skilled nurses and carers to chefs, cleaners, gardeners, drivers and administrators , your selfless work ensures that older Australians receive dignity, warmth and support every day.

Aged Care Employee Day, observed annually on 7 August, shines a spotlight on every unsung hero working behind the scenes to support our seniors

At Rural LAP, we are committed to supporting aged care services/outlets with locum support to ensure services continue to receive high quality care. Thank you to our locums. Your tireless efforts keep communities thriving and ensure continuity of care across rural and remote Australia.

To all aged‑care heroes, thank you. Today and every day, we honour your heart, your skill and your unwavering commitment.

Join us in saying – leave a message of thanks in the comments.

See Rural LAP in Adelaide! We will be exhibiting at the National Allied Health Conference at the Adelaide Convention Cen...
06/08/2025

See Rural LAP in Adelaide! We will be exhibiting at the National Allied Health Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 11-14 August.

Come and say hello to Olivia and Lisi, who will be on hand to fill you in on all things Rural LAP, including how to request support and become a locum. We also have our lucky ducks primed and ready to go for your chance to win some cool prizes to take home with you. We will be at stand 13.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Adelaide.

Rural LAP has Midwifery Group Practice placements available!Are you a skilled midwife looking for a rewarding locum oppo...
01/08/2025

Rural LAP has Midwifery Group Practice placements available!

Are you a skilled midwife looking for a rewarding locum opportunity? Rural LAP is offering placements in a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) setting.

With placements in and around the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network in South Australia, these placements are also a great opportunity for travel and exploration when you are not on shift.

Key Requirements:
> Experience in full scope of practice within an MGP setting.
> Completed Sunrise/EMR training for SA (preferred).
> Clinical certificates required: FSEP, NALS, CTG 2 or 3.
> Must have a clear understanding of the level 3 clinical standards – birthing over 37-week gestations, no twins, unstable diabetes, or complex medical histories that require tertiary care.
> Collaborative work with GPs and Obstetricians is essential.

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make a difference in rural healthcare, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with our team to learn more.

At Southern Yorke Peninsula Health Service, finding experienced and compassionate staff to support rural healthcare has ...
29/07/2025

At Southern Yorke Peninsula Health Service, finding experienced and compassionate staff to support rural healthcare has never been easier.

Simon Taylor from Yorketown shares his experience:
"Rural LAP is always a great experience from start to finish. The nursing staff are not only highly knowledgeable and professional but also genuinely warm and welcoming, making every shift a pleasure. The administrative and booking team have been fantastic, efficient, helpful and always friendly. It’s a seamless, supportive service that makes working in rural health a truly rewarding experience."

Rural LAP provides:
> Professional, friendly, knowledgeable staff
> A seamless booking and support process
> No fees or charges

If you’re a rural health service looking for locum support, find out how Rural LAP can help you - www.rurallap.com.au

Come and say hello to Angela and Andy at the APNA - Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association Festival of Nursin...
24/07/2025

Come and say hello to Angela and Andy at the APNA - Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association Festival of Nursing today and tomorrow at Brisbane Convention Centre.

The amazing duo can tell you everything you want to know about becoming a locum or requesting support for your team.

Don't forget to have a spin of our prize wheel to win yourself some goodies!

You'll find us at booth 17.

Come and say hi to Vanessa and Muhammad at the Australian College of Nursing National Nursing Forum today at the Nationa...
22/07/2025

Come and say hi to Vanessa and Muhammad at the Australian College of Nursing National Nursing Forum today at the National Convention Centre, Canberra.

The team are talking about Rural LAP, including how to become a locum and how to apply for locum support.

You can also have a crack at our 'pick a duck' for your chance to win a prize. Are you feeling ducky???

You'll find us at booth 005.

Address

Suite 17S 2 King Street
Deakin, ACT
2600

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

1800 RURAL LAP (78725 527)

Website

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The Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) combines the Rural Obstetric and Anaesthetic Locum Scheme (ROALS), the Nursing and Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme (NAHRLS) and the Rural Locum Education Assistance Program (Rural LEAP). The aims of the amalgamated program include enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals in rural Australia to take leave and undertake continuing professional development (CPD) activities and improving the retention of these health professionals in rural locations. The program will also enhance the ability of metropolitan-based general practitioners (GPs) to upskill professional competencies in Emergency Medicine. Rural LAP was established by the Australian Government to support specialist and GP obstetricians and anaesthetists, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in rural and remote Australia to take leave from their work for up to 14 working days (categories 2-7) for recreation and CPD leave and up to 28 working days for remote placements (categories 5-7) supporting recreation and CPD (noting that priority will be given to placements with a CPD component or located in MMM categories 6 and 7). Rural LAP also offers financial assistance to urban GPs who require training in order for them to become rural locums. Training for Rural LAP focusses on emergency medicine and to be eligible you must be willing to undertake a general practice locum placement in rural and remote Australia.