Top Locum Agencies in Australia

25/02/2025

Thinking about giving locuming a go but not sure where to start? With so many medical recruitment agencies out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are trustworthy and best suited to your needs.

Here's a guide to help you understand what to expect and what to look out for when searching for the agency that’s right for you.

Medlo vs Traditional Locum Agencies

Common Complaints About Traditional Locum Agencies

We've spoken to numerous doctors who switched to Medlo after negative experiences with other agencies, particularly larger agencies that have dominated the market.

Here are some of the most common issues:

❌ Forced PAYG Schemes: Many doctors dislike being switched to PAYG, limiting autonomy and financial flexibility.

❌ Restricted Communication: Some agencies discourage or even reprimand doctors for speaking directly with hospitals or arranging their own shifts.

❌ Accommodation & Travel Costs: Many agencies are lazy with accommodation arrangements, often expecting doctors to cover travel costs themselves. There have also be cases of hospitals being overcharged on accomodation and travel costs.

❌ Bureaucracy-Related Hassles: Repeated document submissions sent via email, and slow, manual reference checks frustrate busy medical professionals.

Why Medlo Is The Best Locum Agency In Australia

At Medlo, we solve these common issues, offering a seamless, transparent, and doctor-first recruitment experience.

✅ Commission Sharing Initiative – We share recruitment commissions with doctors, recognising their value in the healthcare system. Medlo shares up to 30% of our agency fee with doctors who book their own shifts, rewarding doctors for taking initiative and reducing our workload.

✅ Radical Transparency – Clear pay rates and full visibility into the recruitment process.

✅ One-Time Document Upload – Secure digital portal means no repetitive paperwork.

✅ Faster Digital References – Medlo sends out digital reference forms to doctors’ referees, eliminating the need for paper-based references and reducing delays.

✅ Freedom to Book Your Own Shifts – Unlike other agencies, we encourage doctors to liaise directly with hospitals and reward them for it.

✅ ABN Support for More Flexibility – No forced PAYG—doctors control their tax arrangements and earnings.

✅ No Hidden Travel or Accommodation Costs – We handle arrangements properly, ensuring doctors are not left out of pocket.

Top 10 Locum Agencies in Australia (And How They Compare)

While Medlo offers a doctor-centric, flexible approach, several other agencies are widely used across Australia. Here are the top 10 locum agencies, their coverage areas, and key differences:

While these agencies serve their purpose, many doctors switch to Medlo for a more transparent, flexible, and supportive experience.

The Medical Recruitment Process Explained

Medical recruitment agencies typically follow a structured process to onboard doctors, handle compliance, and facilitate shift placements. However, inefficiencies in this system often lead to delays and frustrations. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

• Onboarding – Doctors register with an agency, providing essential personal details, qualifications, and work preferences.
• Credentialing & Compliance Checks – Agencies require doctors to submit multiple documents, including medical registrations, certifications, references, and police checks. These are manually verified, often causing delays.
• Recruiter Assignment – A recruiter acts as an intermediary between doctors and hospitals, controlling communication and job placements.
• Shift Booking – Doctors must rely on the agency’s recruiters to secure shifts rather than directly liaising with hospitals.
• Timesheets & Invoicing – Some agencies require manual timesheet submissions and slow invoicing processes.
• Payment Processing – Some agencies enforce PAYG schemes, limiting flexibility. Payment structures vary between states and hospitals. For example, NSW public hospitals offer consultants PAYG or independent contractor options, while more junior doctors are paid directly by the hospital under PAYG.

While this process may seem structured, many doctors experience frustration due to inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and rigid agency control over hospital interactions.

While this process may seem straightforward, many doctors experience frustration due to inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and rigid agency control over hospital interactions.

How to Switch to Medlo

Are you a doctor with a long-term contract seeking to take advantage of Medlo's commission sharing? Here's what you should know:

• Your contract with your existing agency may prevent you from switching until it expires. That’s okay—you can move over once your contract ends.
• Typically, all that’s required is a simple email to the hospital’s medical workforce team stating that you want to switch over to Medlo.
• Medlo has no hidden fees for hospitals when you switch, but some other agencies might impose them if you try to end a contract early.
• Once the hospital confirms they’re happy to transition to Medlo, we’ll send them an agreement and ensure that any regular accommodation provider is updated accordingly.
• That’s it! We make the process seamless, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of commission sharing and a transparent recruitment experience.

Why More Doctors Are Switching to Medlo

The medical recruitment industry is changing, and Medlo is leading the way. Doctors are choosing us because we offer:

• Greater Autonomy – Doctors manage their careers on their terms.
• Full Transparency – No hidden fees, no surprises.
• Genuine Support – We advocate for doctors, providing the best resources and freedom to thrive

Join Medlo today and take control of your medical career.