In 2015, the Department of Health introduced the Modified Monash Model (MMM) classification system as it better targets health workforce programs by categorising metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas according to both geographical remoteness, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and town size. The MMM 2015 is based on Australian Bureau of Statistics (2011) Census data and geography information.

In 2015, the Department of Health introduced the Modified Monash Model (MMM) classification system as it better targets health workforce programs by categorising metropolitan, regional, rural and …Show full descriptionIn 2015, the Department of Health introduced the Modified Monash Model (MMM) classification system as it better targets health workforce programs by categorising metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas according to both geographical remoteness, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and town size. The MMM 2019 was updated on 1 July 2019. The MMM2023 was updated on 10 March 2025 to use the latest available Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021) Census data and geography information. The 2023 MMM uses the following data sets: • Australian Statistical Geography Standard 2021 Statistical Area 1; and Urban Centres and Localities as the geographic bases; • Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Area 2021 as the ABS remoteness classification (based on Accessibility and Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA+); • Estimated Resident Population 2023; and • Esri ArcGIS StreetMap Premium Asia Pacific 2021

Indicative search strategy for medline complete via EBSCO.

Association of measures of remoteness with mortality following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Comparison of risk factors for participants that did or did not die.

The Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification system for GPs is an impartial mechanism used by the Government to encourage a more equitable distribution of GPs who are restricted under s19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Foreign Graduates of Accredited Medical Schools (FGAMS). • The DPA classification system is also used to distribute Australian-trained Bonded doctors who have a return of service obligation. • The Distribution Priority Area (DPA) replaced the Districts of Workforce Shortage (DWS) system for GPs in 2019. DWS remains in use for non-GP specialists. • DPA considers the demographics of a region, including age, gender and socio-economic groupings, along with MBS activity data, to determine a benchmark figure that reflects community need for GP service. • DPA is calculated for 827 distinct, non-overlapping GP catchments throughout Australia. Catchments assessed below the benchmark are classified DPA. • Areas classified MM 2-7 under the Modified Monash Model (MMM) geographical remoteness classification system are automatically DPA. Inner metropolitan locations are automatically non-DPA. The attached file for the DPA as at November 2023 (most recent annual update). As the files may be updated at short notice for program purposes, please ensure you use the Health Workforce Locator for the most up-to-date and official DPA location status.

The Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification system for GPs is a mechanism used by the Government to encourage a more equitable distribution of GPs who are restricted under s19AB of the …Show full descriptionThe Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification system for GPs is a mechanism used by the Government to encourage a more equitable distribution of GPs who are restricted under s19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Foreign Graduates of Accredited Medical Schools (FGAMS). • The DPA classification system is also used to distribute Australian-trained Bonded doctors who have a return of service obligation. • The Distribution Priority Area (DPA) replaced the Districts of Workforce Shortage (DWS) system for GPs in 2019. DWS remains in use for non-GP specialists. • DPA considers the demographics of a region, including age, gender and socio-economic groupings, along with MBS activity data, to determine a benchmark figure that reflects community need for GP service. • DPA is calculated for 824 distinct, non-overlapping GP catchments throughout Australia. Catchments assessed below the benchmark are classified DPA. • Areas classified MM 2-7 under the Modified Monash Model (MMM) geographical remoteness classification system are automatically DPA. MM1 Inner metropolitan locations are automatically non-DPA. Areas that held DPA status prior to this update will continue to hold DPA status under a No Losers policy. The attached file for the DPA is as at March 2025 (most recent annual update). As the files may be updated at short notice for program purposes, please ensure you use the Department of Health and Aged Care Health Workforce Locator (https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/health-workforce-locator) for the most up-to-date and official DPA location status.

Raw data and analysis files for Figure 2

Raw data and analysis files for Figure 3

Raw data for Figure S2