Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie said the DPA classification allows government to
identify regions where locals face an increased challenge to access a GP.
A new exceptional circumstance review for the Department of Health’s Distribution Priority Area
(DPA) classification will help regional and rural areas respond to unforeseen workforce and
population changes which may be impacting access to local GP services.
Anyone in a non-DPA area such as a GP clinic can apply for an assessment. An important step in the
assessment process is applicants working with and having the support of the Rural Workforce Agency
(RWA) in their state or territory.