ACRRM welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment to trial a Single Employer Model (SEM) for Rural Generalist (RG) registrars. 

The trial will allow RG registrars to be employed by a single health service while undertaking their primary care placements at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Grampians Health, and Mildura Base Public Hospital. 

ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday says SEMs are operating in South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, and Queensland, and are a key strategy toward building a strong RG workforce. 

“The model is attractive to junior doctors considering a career in rural generalism,” Dr Halliday explains.  

“SEMs offer greater flexibility with employment options, enabling registrars to gain the high-quality skills they need across primary care, hospital, and other healthcare settings. 

“Where there is strong cooperation between participating RGs, practices, and health services, it streamlines training, smoothing the way for registrars to focus on skills development rather than administrative burden. 

“The SEM also offers certainty of income and working conditions with registrars on the trial retaining their employment benefits such as leave, as they move through their placements. 

“SEMs help build connections between local health services and, most importantly, support better integrated patient care, which benefits RGs and the communities where they live and work,” Dr Halliday says. 

Read the ACRRM position statement on the role of SEMs in remote and rural health services here.  

ENDS