The National Terms and Conditions for the Employment of Registrars (NTCER) is an essential framework that outlines the rights, obligations, and conditions for registrars in the medical profession. The NTCER undergoes periodic updates to address various aspects of registrar employment. In the latest update for 2023.2, two significant changes have come into effect: an increased allocation of admin time and an increase in the minimum hourly rate. This article will provide an overview of these changes and their implications. 

Increased Allocation of Admin Time 

Under the new NTCER update, the allocation of admin time has been revised by General Practice Supervisors Australia (GPSA) and General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA). The allocation now stands at 30 minutes per half-day session, up to a maximum of five hours per week for a full-time registrar*. This adjustment recognizes the importance of administrative tasks in a registrar's workload and aims to provide them with sufficient time to fulfill these responsibilities effectively. 

*Please note that this time cannot be used as accrued time for leave or other activities. 

Increase in the Minimum Hourly Rate 

The update also introduces an increase in the minimum hourly rate, incorporating two separate increments.  Following the annual announcement of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) indexation factor, the Medicare Indexation was raised by 3.6%. Additionally, as a result of the negotiation by the GPSA and GPRA in the NTCER Review, an extra 3% increase was also implemented on top of the Medicare indexation These increases will take effect from Semester 2 in 2023. 

Calculating the increase – hourly rate 

To better understand the implications of the increased minimum hourly rate, let's consider an example. Suppose there are two registrars: Fred, who commenced his first six months of primary care in semester one started in semester one this year as a GPT term one registrar, and Jane, who will beis commencing her first GPT termsix months of primary care in semester two this year. Fred was being paid $42 per hour. The question arises: can Jane be paid $42 per hour and still meet the NTCER requirements? 

Meeting the NTCER Requirements 

To comply with the updated NTCER, Jane must be paid a minimum of $42.96 per hour. In the recent changes, the hourly rate has become the basis for all calculations, ensuring fairness and transparency in registrar remuneration. Rather than attempting to divide the rate, it is now multiplied to ensure registrars receive their entitled compensation. 

The NTCER update for 2023.2 brings positive changes to the employment conditions of medical registrars. The increased allocation of admin time acknowledges the significance of administrative tasks, allowing registrars to manage their responsibilities effectively. Moreover, the rise in the minimum hourly rate ensures fair compensation for registrars, considering both Medicare indexation and the negotiated increase by the GPSA and GPRA. By staying up to date with these changes, medical practices and registrars can foster an environment that promotes the professional growth and well-being of registrars across Australia.