Specialists located in the North-West will also receive a new recruitment and retention allowance of 25 per cent under a new two-year trial period.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson announced on Thursday that the trial was aimed at testing the effectiveness of the allowance to attract and retain specialists in the region. 

“While we have been successful in recruiting, it is no secret that the North-West has always struggled to attract health specialists,” Mr Ferguson said. 

“To increase our ability to both recruit and retain our medical workforce in the North-West, the allowance would be offered to both new and existing medical specialists.” 

Under the new Salaried Medical Practitioners Agreement, doctors will receive the 2 per cent pay increase each year from July 1, 2016 until July 1, 2019. 

Maternity leave will also be increased from 12 weeks to 14, following three years of negotiations.