Negotiating Contracts

More than Money: A Negotiation Guide for GP Registrars

For many registrars, negotiating an employment contract can be a challenging process. There are many things to consider when making the transition from the hospital system, with its standardised terms and conditions, to the more flexible world of private general practice.

While private GP clinics provide a community service, they are also businesses so there is scope to negotiate the terms and conditions of your employment contract based on the value you bring to the practice.

This GPRA guide is designed to help make contract negotiation easier for you throughout your training and post-fellowship. The scope of the guide concentrates on negotiation for GPT1 and GPT2 registrars, but many of the guidelines apply to registrars and GPs at any career stage.

Download your copy of More than Money: A Negotiation Guide for GP Registrars

Negotiating Tips

• Read the current National Minimum Terms and Conditions document, and the Terms and Conditions Clarification/Interpretation document. The NMT&Cs are applicable to GPT 1 and 2 Registrars.

• Read the GPRA Benchmarking Survey 2010, with the results of a nation-wide Registrar survey. Knowing what other registrars around the country are earning and their conditions of employment, may be helpful information when negotiating your own contract.

• Familiarise yourself with the National Employment Standards (as set out in the Fair Work Act 2009). These apply to most workplaces in Australia and guarantee certain minimum entitlements (ie. a contract cannot go below the minimums set out in the act). You can find further information and useful fact sheets at the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website.

• Do some homework about your earning potential as a GP. Visit the GPRA's online earnings calculator to see the impact different numbers of patients, types of billing and hours worked by a GP will have on their earnings.

• Read the special report from Australian Doctor, Working Hard for the Money, to give you an idea of future, non-trainee income potential.

• Read this recent article from Australian Doctor, Deal or No Deal, for a great collection of negotiating tips for registrars.

• Know what you want and why regarding pay, hours, leave and other conditions. Read the GPRA reports Recommended Worked Examples for Annual Leave Calculations, Legal Advice on Employment Status for GP Registrars, and Distinguishing Features of Employees vs Independent Contractors for more information.

• Read the contract thoroughly. Get a second opinion if you are unsure. Email or call GPRA Assist 1300 131 198.