Locum doctor work in Victoria: A how to guide

Victoria offers a unique locum landscape compared to other states like New South Wales. While NSW has a centralised health system, Victoria operates more locally, with each hospital or health service managing its own staffing and recruitment.

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Overview

Melbourne is the capital and training hub for most doctors in Victoria. Because of this, locum work in Melbourne can be harder to find, as most shifts are filled by local doctors already living nearby. However, there are gaps in private hospitals in metro spaces, if you are an ED registrar or FACEM then there is a lot of good Melbourne locum work around.

If you are slightly more junior, dont worry, there is plenty of locum work available just outside the city. Regional towns such as Bendigo, Shepparton, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Bairnesdale, and Mildura regularly offer shifts to fill gaps in their rosters. These towns are often only a few hours from Melbourne, making them ideal for doctors who want flexible work without going too remote.

Key Differences from NSW

✅ Victoria’s system is less centralised, so hospitals hire independently.
✅ More locum work is available in regional towns than in Melbourne.
✅ Pay structures are flexible, especially for doctors working under an ABN.
✅ Superannuation is included in the quoted locum rate, not paid on top.

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Rural and Regional Work

Regional Victoria is known for its historic towns, European-style architecture, and tight-knit communities. Many doctors enjoy the lifestyle balance these regions offer, close enough to the city for convenience, but relaxed and affordable enough to feel like a true change of pace.

Locum Pay in Victoria

• Strong daily rates for both GPs and specialists
• Accommodation and travel often included for rural shifts
• Victorian-based doctors are preferred by many hospitals and agencies
• Superannuation is included in the advertised rate (for example, $2,000/day includes super)
  
  

Getting Paid

Most locum doctors in Victoria are paid through an agency, or by directly sending invoices to the hospitals.

You can choose from different payment options:

• Most payments are made via ABN or a company (less as PAYG)

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Common Locum Roles in Victoria

1. GP + Emergency (GP VMO)

• Pay: $2,000 to $4,000 per day
• Mix of GP clinic work during the day and emergency or on-call duties after hours
• Common in small rural hospitals
  
  

2. Aboriginal and Indigenous Health

• Pay: $1,500 to $2,000 per day
• Roles in Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS)
• Highly rewarding work with strong community and team support
• Victoria has a strong focus on First Nations health
  
  

3. HMO work

• Pay: $120 - $200/hr dependent on skill set, rurality and whether night shift or not
• Most roles are ED or ward cover
• Whilst work can seem daunting, ARV (Adult Retrieval Victoria) are available 24/7 for advice and aiding transport of complex patients.

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Why Work as a Locum in Victoria?

✅ Consistent rural demand for locum doctors

✅ Lifestyle balance near Melbourne

✅ Flexible pay and work arrangements