Working in the Public Hospital System

The public healthcare system in Australia is funded by state and territory governments and provides free or subsidised care to patients through Medicare. Most overseas-trained doctors begin their Australian careers in the public sector, as it offers structured training pathways and employer-sponsored visa opportunities.

Advantages of public practice:

  • Structured employment: Salaried positions with defined hours, overtime rates, and leave entitlements governed by enterprise agreements or awards.
  • Training and supervision: Public hospitals are the primary sites for specialist training programs. If you are pursuing fellowship through an Australian medical college, you will likely need to work in the public system.
  • Salary packaging: Public hospital employees can salary package living expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, and meals, reducing taxable income by up to $15,900 per year (plus additional meal and entertainment benefits).
  • Visa sponsorship: Public health services are among the most common sponsors for employer-nominated visas such as the subclass 482 and subclass 186.
  • Diverse clinical exposure: Public hospitals treat a wide range of patients and conditions, providing excellent clinical experience.

Disadvantages:

  • Lower base salary compared to private practice, particularly for senior doctors and specialists.
  • Higher patient volumes and longer waiting lists can lead to heavier workloads.
  • Less autonomy in terms of scheduling and clinical decision-making compared to running a private practice.
  • Bureaucratic processes for hiring, promotions, and resource allocation.

Working in Private Practice

Private medical practice in Australia encompasses private hospitals, specialist consulting rooms, private general practices, and day surgery centres. Doctors in the private sector typically earn more but have different responsibilities and financial considerations.

Advantages of private practice:

  • Higher earning potential: Specialists with established private practices can earn significantly more than their public counterparts. GPs working on a percentage-of-billings model can also earn well, particularly in busy practices.
  • Greater autonomy: You have more control over your schedule, patient load, and clinical approach.
  • Better facilities: Some private hospitals offer newer equipment, shorter wait times, and more comfortable working environments.
  • Flexibility: Many doctors combine public and private work, maintaining a public appointment while also running a private clinic.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher financial risk if you are running your own practice, including overhead costs such as rent, staff, insurance, and equipment.
  • Income can be variable, depending on patient volume and billing rates.
  • Less access to formal training programs, as most specialist training is conducted in public hospitals.
  • Some private positions may not meet visa sponsorship requirements for overseas doctors.

Key Differences at a Glance

The following summarises the main differences between public and private practice in Australia:

  • Pay structure: Public doctors receive a fixed salary with penalty rates. Private doctors may earn through fee-for-service, percentage-of-billings, or a combination. See our salary guide for specific figures.
  • Job security: Public positions generally offer more stability, with contracts governed by industrial awards. Private contracts vary widely -- review our contracts guide for what to watch out for.
  • Work-life balance: Both sectors have demanding roles, but public rosters are more regulated. Private practice hours depend on your own choices and patient demand.
  • Career progression: The public system provides a clearer ladder from junior doctor to registrar to consultant. Private career paths are more self-directed.

Which Sector Is Right for You?

For most overseas-trained doctors arriving in Australia, the public sector is the practical starting point. It provides visa sponsorship, structured supervision (often required by AHPRA for doctors on limited registration), and access to training programs. As you gain experience and establish yourself, you may choose to transition into private practice or combine both.

Your choice may also depend on your location. Regional areas often have fewer private options but offer attractive public sector incentives. Metropolitan areas provide more variety across both sectors.

To start exploring job opportunities in either sector, visit our how to get a job guide. For the broader context of working in Australia, see our work-life balance page.

Important Planning Note

This page is designed as practical guidance for overseas doctors and should be used alongside official requirements published by AHPRA, the AMC, relevant specialist colleges, and the Department of Home Affairs.

Rules, fees, and processing times can change. Before lodging any application, verify current criteria directly with official sources listed on our Resources page.