Overseas-trained doctors keep rural GP clinic open in NSW Southern Highlands
Overseas-trained doctors are keeping a rural Southern Highlands GP clinic open, with four of five practitioners at Bundanoon's practice migrants as Australia plans migration cuts that experts warn would hit regional healthcare hardest.
PEOPLE & COMMUNITY
In a rural medical center painted in vibrant pink hues, from the scrubs worn by the staff to the cowboy hats that decorate the walls, The Practice Bundanoon in New South Wales' Southern Highlands stands out. However, what is commonplace here is the presence of doctors from abroad who are crucial in addressing staffing shortages. Among the five practitioners, co-owner Aarielle Turner is the sole Australian-born general practitioner.
Dr. Turner noted that the inclusion of migrant physicians has been essential for the practice, which serves a community of 3,000 residents, enabling it to accept new patients. "We welcome applications from everyone, yet we receive very few, if any, submissions from local graduates," she explained. "Most of our candidates are either from overseas or internationally trained doctors already residing in Australia with foreign qualifications. We genuinely depend on them."
Medical graduate Ilini Wijayarupa shared her experience of applying for around 600 positions in Australia before securing her role as a GP in Bundanoon this past January. Her husband, Sheirl Fernando, began working at the same time but only started his practice in June due to delays in his registration process. The couple underwent extensive examinations and training to adapt to the Australian healthcare framework.
"We are incredibly thankful to continue our medical journey here... while we cherish our origins, we are committed to staying long-term," Dr. Wijayarupa remarked. They are being sponsored for permanent residency by Dr. Turner and co-owner Jessie Smith, with the total sponsorship cost for each candidate potentially reaching $12,000. The practice owners mentioned that they also dedicated weeks to completing the necessary paperwork.
Dr. Turner highlighted the complexities of the process, which involves interacting with various organizations, including Australian Health Practitioner Regulation and the Board of Australia, to have the doctors' foreign credentials acknowledged. "The entire process can exceed 12 months from beginning to end," she stated.
Rejecting the recent political narrative that skilled migrants are taking jobs from locals, Dr. Turner emphasized the necessity of hiring qualified international doctors to meet urgent healthcare needs. "To sustain our healthcare system, we require internationally qualified practitioners because even if we start training local doctors now, it will take another decade to see results," she asserted. "We are filling a void that exists due to a lack of local candidates."
Robert Lewandowski, a former of the Doctors' of Australia remarked that the recruitment of international doctors is a "challenging process." He noted that many practices, despite their needs, lack the resources, time, and energy to navigate the complexities of hiring an international graduate.
Demographer Simon Kuestenmacher stated that 59% of general practitioners in Australia are migrants, with a higher percentage in regional areas. "GPs are just one example of a profession that heavily relies on migrant workers," he pointed out, also mentioning sectors like aged care and transport.
Kuestenmacher warned that proposed reductions in migration ahead of the 2028 election are often framed around relieving housing pressure, yet the repercussions for the healthcare system are rarely discussed. "Each visa cut may seem appealing, but it will lead to adverse outcomes," he said. "The regions would be significantly impacted."
As the 2028 federal election approaches, immigration continues to emerge as a vital political topic. In the fiscal year 2024-25, Australia welcomed 306,000 migrants, including 86,200 on temporary and permanent skilled-worker visas. Recently, the federal government announced plans to reduce net overseas migration from 306,000 to 225,000 by 2028. This announcement coincided with One Nation's proposal to slash by 80,000 over three years, while the Coalition is finalizing its policy, aiming for a target of 150,000 to 170,000.
Dr. Turner expressed no regrets about the investments made in her international recruits. "If I were to evaluate their qualifications and personalities without knowing whether they were trained internationally or locally, I would choose the same individuals again," she remarked. The local community has warmly welcomed their new residents. In June, Dr. Turner sought assistance in furnishing a home for a newly arrived GP, Irfan, and the center's lunchroom was filled within a day with donations of household items, clothing, and food vouchers. "The support was truly heartwarming to witness," she concluded.
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