The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.G.40 Government-contracted doctors (DSP)

Definition

GCDs are contracted through Services Australia and conduct DMAs (1.1.D.180) to assist in determining a person's medical eligibility for DSP.

A GCD must be a registered and licensed medical practitioner, or where the DMA relates to a mental health condition, the DMA may be a registered clinical psychologist. GCD must have full registration with the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

A medical practitioner is defined in SSAct section 23 to mean a person registered and licensed as a medical practitioner under a state or territory law that provides for the registration or licensing of medical practitioners.

A clinical psychologist is taken to be a psychologist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority, with an area of practice endorsed as clinical psychology by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.2 Assessment for DSP

Last reviewed: 15 August 2022

The Australian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to the Elders both past and present.