Qld Health Employment Changes

Friday 19, March 2010

On 1 July 2009 a new policy was released by Qld Health regarding the employment of locum medical practitioners. The policy has not come into effect as yet and is currently under review. A date has not yet been announced for the release of the final version. However, the majority of Qld Health facilities appear to be implementing these changes to streamline cost and responsibility.

These amendments affect the ways in which you can be engaged as a locum within Qld Health. For long-term locums you will be put on as permanent staff and paid through payroll. For locums any duration less than six months you may be engaged one of two ways:

1. As a contractor: To operate in this manner you must be an incorporated company (i.e. Pty Ltd). Any contract will be drafted in the name of your company, and any monies owing will be paid directly into your company bank account by the Health Facility. An invoice will be issued for work done, and will be submitted by Health 24-7 on your behalf.

2. As a sub contractor: If you are currently operating as a sole trader, you can no longer operate as a contractor within QLD Health. In order to locum you must be sub contracted to a QLD Health Facility through Health 24-7. The main differences relate to superannuation and workers compensation. Your fee received for work done is inclusive of 9% superannuation. Health 24-7 will draw up an invoice on your behalf and pay 91% of your fee for work done into your nominated bank account and 9% into your nominated superannuation fund once Health 24-7 has received payment from the health facility. It is also recommended that you have your own personal accident and injury insurance.

In response to this trend away from employing sole traders we have provided information to assist sole traders to set up their own company. Please see the news article entitled Becoming an Incorporated Company.