Creating your employment agreement It’s an exciting time when you are offered your general practice placement. It’s important that you understand your employment agreement and ensure it meets the minimum requirements. Be aware of what you are entitled to Regardless of your training term, read the National Minimum Terms and Conditions document. At a minimum, your employment agreement should meet the NMTC. For those in terms GPT3+ you can negotiate conditions higher than the minimum. Use the GPRA Terms and Conditions Benchmarking Survey for information about what registrars earn around the country.
Talk to the practice Discussions about your employment may occur with the GP supervisor, practice manager or another person within the practice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and have a positive attitude during this time. GPRA members can access personalised advice on the terms and conditions and how they apply to their situation by either emailing or calling the GPRA enquiries line.
Use a template to create your employment agreement Use the GPRA Employment Agreement Template or your RTP employment agreement template. The GPRA Employment Agreement Template can be downloaded from gpra.org.au
Understand what you are signing Read your agreement and understand each clause. Speak to the practice, your RLO or phone GPRA 48
Visit our website – gpra.org.au
if you would like to discuss any parts of your agreement you are unclear about.
Ensure both parties are happy You can negotiate with your employer for conditions and benefits that are greater than the NMTC. Be prepared for a bit of give and take, it needs to be a win-win situation. Remember that no clauses or conditions can be removed. Refer to GPRA’s:
• More than Money: A negotiation guide for GP registrars
• Terms and Conditions Benchmarking Survey. Further discussions during the term
Things change during the year so it is important that any changes to your terms and conditions are captured in an amendment to your original agreement. GPRA recommends that:
• you sign an employment agreement before you start work at the practice
• a new employment agreement be drawn up
each term, even if you are completing another term at the same practice
• if you make any changes to your agreement,
ensure you have the changes in writing or that your agreement is amended.
Need advice? GPRA members can access personalised advice about their employment. Contact the Registrar Services Team at registrarenquiries@gpra.org.au or phone 03 9629 8878.