Need for locums in private practice?

Hi there,

I managed to get my physiotherapy registration in Australia a few years ago (I was trained in Germany) and have been working both in New Zealand and Australia for a few years. Due to private commitments, I returned to Europe last year but I intend to move back to Australia this year. Since I also got my permanent residence, I would like to travel around Australia and pick up some locum work along the way.

For the majority of my career, I've been working in private practice and I just wondered if there's a need for locums in private practices in Australia?
I'd be interested to hear opinions of people who own their own practice and have used locums in the past:
How do you look for suitable locums - do you use agencies or do you advertise yourself? I understand that agencies charge a fee - but at the same time, I imagine, they save you time and effort.
Or do you prefer hiring permanent staff and have no need for locums?
What would you recommend me? Look out for ads, call practices myself or just register with an agency?

Regards,
Melanie