If you are looking for challenges and opportunities in your medical career then the Northern Territory is the place for you. Whether you are a junior doctor just embarking on your medical career, a registrar seeking positions for accredited specialist training, a general practice trainee wishing to become a rural medical officer in a rural remote setting, or a specialist just looking for a change, the Territory has something to offer you in one or several of its five hospitals.
The Northern Territory offers a great lifestyle, spectacular geography and unique medical opportunities not available elsewhere in Australia. Working in Northern Territory Hospitals offers a broad clinical experience and opportunities to improve practical skills in all specialty areas. Territory Hospitals provide a range of services often not seen in similar sized hospitals due to the wide range of medical conditions, cross-cultural blend of patients and combination of rural and remote locations. Our hospitals also have a strong focus on medical education and training and employment packages can include specific training programs and rotations.
On this site you can find specific information relevant to interns, residents, registrars and specialists wishing to work in the Northern Territory.
There is also information on:
- Conditions of Service in the Northern Territory
- Overseas Trained Doctors (OTDs) working in the Northern Territory
- Living in the Northern Territory
For more information on what each of the 5 hospitals has to offer please follow the links below:
Teaching Hospitals
Rural Hospitals
Conditions of Service/Entitlements
Appointment is by contract with the Northern Territory Public Sector. If successful, the applicant will receive an initial letter advising of their term allocation. Written acceptance of this initial offer is deemed as a formal agreement of acceptance. Formal contracts will be issued at a later time and must be signed prior to commencing employment. For most staff recruited other than those considered as "local" recruits, relocation assistance is provided and details will be advised on receipt of the initial acceptance of employment.
The Department of Health and Families reserves the right to transfer staff within the Northern Territory as may be necessary.
On completion of the contract, or any extension of the contract, repatriation assistance will be provided in accordance with the provisions of the signed contract.
Medical Officers Agreement
Medical staff are employed under the Medical Officers (Northern Territory Public Sector) Workplace Agreement 2008 - 2010. Further information can be accessed at www.ocpe.nt.gov.au/agreements/current_agreements
Hours of Duty
Ordinary hours of duty are 38 hours per week or an average of 38 hours per week spread over 2, 3 or 4 weeks.
After hours standby, on call and overtime allowances apply. Overtime commitments vary between terms.
Salary
Salary will be determined in line with the Medical Officers (Northern Territory Public Sector) Workplace Agreement 2008-2010.
On appointment to Katherine, Gove or Tennant Creek Hospital, salary will be paid as a trainee rural medical practitioner as per the EBA for the period that duty is performed at that hospital.
Professional Training Allowance/Study Leave
A Medical Officer appointed at level 2 or level 3 shall be entitled to a training allowance of $2,000 per annum to assist with approved training or study identified in their work partnership plan. The Medical Officer may claim reimbursement of costs incurred up to the amount of $2,000.
An annual Professional Training Allowance is provided to Level 4's and above who have been employed in excess of 12 months. Please refer to the EBA for the training allowance allocated for each salary level.
Study leave up to a maximum of 5 days may be approved for those who have an employment contract for 12 months or more, depending on the appropriateness of the course/seminar/conference. Study leave is not granted for the purpose of study.
Leave
Recreation Leave
On commencement you will be granted up to four weeks recreation leave in advance, prior to accrual. If you are working for less than 12 months, advancement of leave will be on a proportionate basis.
For Interns up to four weeks leave will be granted during the first year of service. RMO's will be granted up to five weeks leave in their first year of service of which two to three weeks will be expected to be taken during their relieving term. RMO's and registrars are granted up to seven weeks in their second and subsequent years. It is normal practice to grant one to two weeks leave for each three month term, or two to three weeks during a six month term. No leave will be approved in excess of the leave that has been accrued. This policy has been established to ensure that all RMOs are eligible to access the same amount of leave and that adequate relief is available.
For Registrars/HMOs the granting of leave is at the discretion of the specialist in charge. Generally, leave may be taken at any time during the year (although divisions often operate roster systems) and the total credits may be used in one period of leave or split into several shorter periods.
If you are planning to take leave, you are required to submit your leave request early. Both the taking of recreation leave and the manner in which leave credits are used are subject to the convenience of the division. Leave at particular times may not be approved if it will cause staffing difficulties.
Sick Leave
During the first year, Sick Leave is available for 10 days from commencement of contract and, after completion of 6 months service, another 5 days will become available. Please note that sick leave credits do not carry over from other employers.
Salary Sacrifice Arrangements
Salary sacrifice for purposes other than superannuation is available for a specified number of items. The salary sacrifice amount is capped at $9, 095 net per annum and is subject to any future changes to the relevant Commonwealth legislation.
Employees in total are able to sacrifice up to 50% of their salary.
Other Benefits
Zone A taxation concessions may be allowable.
A Territory Allowance may be payable depending on family circumstances.
Criminal History Checks
All Department of Health and Families employees must have pre-employment screening, which includes a criminal history check. A criminal record will not automatically preclude you from employment. Only criminal history relevant to the specific requirements of the job will be considered in determining your suitability for appointment.
RDH On Campus Accommodation and Recreational Facilities
Furnished accommodation is available on the Royal Darwin Hospital campus for periods ranging from 3 to 12 months and is allocated according to determined criteria and availability. Accommodation available is in the form of studios, 1-2 bedroom units and 3-4 bedroom houses.
The recreational facilities available on the RDH campus include a half olympic swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, basketball courts and a gymnasium.
Overseas Trained Doctors
Overseas Doctors can enter Australia on a temporary or a permanent basis to fill positions in the medical workforce that cannot be readily filled by a suitably qualified Australian doctor.
Immigrating to Australia
In most cases, overseas doctors must be sponsored, usually by their employer in Australia, to work in an Unmet Areas of Need / District of Workforce Shortage. In addition, overseas doctors must meet normal immigration requirements with respect to good health and provide local police clearances for all countries in which they have lived for more than one year during the last ten years.
Contact the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs for more information about immigration matters.
At 1 July 2008, there are new processes in place for overseas trained doctors (OTDs) and international medical graduates (IMGs) wishing to work in the Northern Territory's medical system.
Please refer to the Australian Medical Council (AMC) website for further information.
If you are an overseas trained doctor, and you have queries or concerns about your rights and responsibilities under the 457 visa scheme you should contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 131 881. If you need any help with translating or interpreting contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
The Application Process
In order to work in the Northern Territory, there are a number of steps that you may need to take. Some are compulsory and others depend on your particular situation. In general, the steps include:
- Registration with the Northern Territory Medical Board (HPLA) is compulsory.
- English Language Testing is mandatory for any overseas trained doctor who is registering with the Northern Territory Medical Board. We recommend the International English Language Testing System website.
- Application for the relevant Visa with the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs is compulsory.
- Successful application for a job
- Application for a Medicare Provider Number with the Health Insurance Commission. Once you are employed, your employer will assist with this process
- Successful completion of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Examination and Assessment Process
For further information regarding the application process please refer to Federal Government's Doctor Connect website.
Documentation Requirements
- Current Passport with appropriate working Visa.
- Original or Certified Copy of Medical Degree.
If the degree is not in English a certified copy of an official translation is required. - Resume / Curriculum Vitae.
Please download the following CV Proforma (30KB), which may be of assistance. - References.
Names and addresses of three reputable people who are able to provide advice as to your character and work performance. - Results of English Language Tests (Original or Certified Copy).
If your name is different from what is recorded in the documentation supplied, please provide supporting documentation identifying the change of name.
Living in The Territory
Darwin
Darwin boasts a relaxed tropical lifestyle, a cosmopolitan population and magnificent sunsets. It is a young and vital city. Darwin is well planned, clean and green, boasting modern amenities and beautiful parklands. As the capital of Australia's Northern Territory, Darwin is the centre of government and the major administrative and commercial centre. It is as close to Singapore and Manila as it is to Sydney and Melbourne and is increasingly making its mark as a major gateway for Asia.
Darwin is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Australia with more than 60 nationalities and some 76 ethnic groups. Just over one quarter of the Northern Territory population identify themselves as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
The estimated resident population of Darwin and nearby Palmerston is 150,000.
Darwin is a young town and the median age is just 31 years.
The Top End has a rugged landscape and many natural wonders. From the palm trees right in the city centre to the spectacular National Parks of Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) all within half a day's drive.
Sport is a way of life in the Top End, with 110 different sporting and physical activities available. Art and cultural activities are an important aspect of Darwin's unique lifestyle. There are many opportunities to be involved in performing and visual arts, crafts, festivals, dance and music, or alternatively to take it easy, sit back and be entertained.
Alice Springs
Alice Springs is rich in history, culture, and opportunity. Its desert landscape is beautiful. You will enjoy many unique experiences both professionally and personally and we want to help you maximise your opportunities.
The population of Alice Springs is just under 28,000, the town is nestled at the foothills of the MacDonnell ranges. The population is made up of many ethnic groups, the largest being European and Aboriginal. The town and its suburbs are relatively compact, and many employees ride their bicycles or walk to work. Our staff members enjoy participating in a huge range of sport!
Clear blue skies are the norm in Alice Springs! When it does rain in Central Australia, the effects can be spectacular; quickly filling normally dry river beds and streaming down Uluru, "the Rock."
Living in the Alice offers ample opportunity to take in the unique sights of Central Australia and participate in an easygoing lifestyle.
After work, Alice Springs offers both entertainment and leisure opportunities similar to those found in most cities, yet with a lifestyle that is relaxed and peaceful if you wish to take it easy. The opportunity is yours
For more information on life in the Northern Territory, please visit the following websites: