Working Hours and Rostering

Working hours for doctors in Australia vary by role, specialty, and whether you work in the public or private sector. As a general guide:

  • Hospital doctors (public sector) — Standard full-time hours are 38 to 40 hours per week, though registrars and junior doctors may work up to 50 to 55 hours per week including on-call shifts. Overtime is paid or compensated with time off in lieu.
  • General practitioners — Most GPs work between 35 and 45 hours per week. Many practices offer flexible scheduling, and it is common for GPs to choose part-time hours or compressed work weeks.
  • Specialists (private practice) — Hours are largely self-determined. Many private specialists work 40 to 50 hours per week but have significant control over their schedule.

Australia has strong workplace protections that limit excessive working hours. The Fair Work Act and state-based industrial agreements set clear boundaries on maximum hours, rest periods between shifts, and safe rostering practices. Compared to many countries, the culture around overwork in Australian hospitals has improved significantly, with increasing attention to doctor wellbeing and fatigue management.

Leave Entitlements

One of the most attractive aspects of working as a doctor in Australia is the generous leave provisions. Under Australian employment law and most medical enterprise agreements:

  • Annual leave — Four weeks of paid annual leave per year is the legal minimum. Many senior medical officers and specialists negotiate five or six weeks.
  • Personal and sick leave — Ten days of paid personal leave per year, which can be used for illness or caring for a family member.
  • Long service leave — After seven to ten years of continuous service (depending on the state), doctors are entitled to an extended paid leave period, typically eight to thirteen weeks.
  • Parental leave — Up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave is available, with the government-funded Paid Parental Leave scheme providing up to 20 weeks of pay at the national minimum wage. Many employers top this up.
  • Study and conference leave — Most hospital and practice positions include paid study leave for professional development, conferences, and exam preparation.
  • Public holidays — Australia has eight national public holidays plus additional state-specific holidays, totalling around ten to thirteen public holidays per year.

These entitlements represent a significant improvement over what many overseas doctors are accustomed to, particularly those coming from systems where annual leave is limited or difficult to take in practice.

Workplace Culture

Australian medical workplaces tend to be more egalitarian and less hierarchical than those in many other countries. Key aspects of the culture include:

  • Flat hierarchies — While seniority is respected, communication between junior and senior doctors is generally open and collegial. First names are commonly used across all levels.
  • Team-based care — Multidisciplinary teams are the norm, with nurses, allied health professionals, and doctors working collaboratively.
  • Wellbeing focus — There is growing institutional awareness of doctor burnout and mental health. Many hospitals offer employee assistance programs, peer support, and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Respect for personal time — Australians generally value their time outside work. It is culturally acceptable to leave on time, take your full lunch break, and use all your annual leave.

For overseas doctors, this cultural shift can be refreshing. However, it may take some adjustment if you come from a more formal or hierarchical medical system. The key is to be open, communicative, and willing to engage with the team-based approach.

The type of setting you work in also affects your day-to-day experience. For a comparison of the different working environments, see our guide on Public vs Private Practice.

Building a Balanced Life

Beyond the workplace, Australia offers an outstanding environment for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The warm climate in most parts of the country encourages outdoor activities year-round. Doctors frequently take advantage of beaches, national parks, cycling paths, and sporting facilities close to where they live.

The Australian weekend culture is strong. Saturday and Sunday are genuinely protected time for most doctors outside of rostered shifts, and there is a rich calendar of community events, markets, festivals, and family-friendly activities.

For doctors with families, Australia provides a supportive environment with excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, and a culture that prioritises family time. Many overseas doctors report that the improved work-life balance is one of the most significant benefits of their move to Australia.

To explore which locations offer the best lifestyle fit for you, visit our page on Best Cities for Doctors in Australia.

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.