Million-dollar job that nobody wants

A small regional town in Western Australia is offering up $1 million and a rent-free home to a doctor willing to fill their GP opening.

The town of Quairading – just 164 kilometres from Perth – is offering up the incredible salary after it was revealed the town’s only GP would be moving away.

The council has also offered up a rent-free four-bedroom home in the centre of town to sweeten the deal.

Quairading Council President Peter Smith said the town is worried locals will have to travel an hour to get emergency medical treatment.

“If we lose our doctor then we‘re travelling to Northam or York or other centres to get that service,” said council member Peter Smith.

“There is a maldistribution of GPs which we are aware of and it has been exacerbated during the pandemic.”

In addition to accommodation and a hefty salary the council will cover the salaries of additional staff needed to run the medical practice and any day-to-day costs.

A similar offer was made on the opposite side of the country in the small town of Julia Creek – 600km west of Townsville – last October.

The job vacancy had been opened for more than 18 months when McKinlay Shire Council offered up an enviable salary package of more than $500,000 and a rent-free home.