Council
26 September, 2023
Have your say on how to unleash the potential of our health workforce
FEDERAL Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has called on local health professionals to have their say as part of a major review of Australia’s health workforce.
The independent review announced by Health Minister Mark Butler will explore opportunities and barriers to Australia’s health professionals working to the full scope of their practice in the primary health care system.
Led by Professor Mark Cormack, the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce Review was a recommendation of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
Mr Neumann said extensive stakeholder consultation and engagement will inform the review, with findings to be provided to the Albanese Government in the second half of 2024.
“Making sure Australia optimises its health workforce across a stretched primary care sector will improve health access and equity across all communities, including regional, rural and remote areas,” he said.
Professor Cormack is a highly accomplished health system and public policy executive. He was appointed Honorary Professor at the Australian National University (ANU) College of Health and Medicine in 2020 and has recently established the National Centre for Health Workforce Studies at ANU. This follows a long public service career including as the CEO of Health Workforce Australia.
His professional background also covers early work as an allied health professional, and health services manager. Professor Cormack has served as Chief Executive (ACT Health) and Deputy Secretary (Commonwealth Departments of Health, Veterans’ Affairs and Home Affairs).
Submissions to the review can be lodged up until October 16.
More information on the review and how to make a submission is available at https://consultations.health.gov.au/pccd-communication/scope-of-practice-review/
Mr Neumann said that for too long, too many of our health workforce have not been able to work to their full potential, and he urged health professionals in the Somerset Region to make a submission.
“The Federal Government is committing to making sure that our hard-working and highly educated health workforce can work to the full extent of their skills, experience and training,” Mr Neumann said.
“Whether it is nurses, pharmacists or allied health professionals, in a global health workforce shortage we need everyone working as close as possible to the top of their scope.
“The review team, led by Professor Mark Cormack, will consult widely with stakeholders and analyse the available evidence before providing its recommendations to the Government.
“This is the first of many opportunities for input into this important review, so I invite everyone to provide feedback and have their say.”
Mr Neumann hosted a regional health roundtable in Fernvale last month with Federal Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride where there was a strong focus on health workforce challenges, including in allied health.
“This health workforce review is an opportunity to make sure we optimise our health professionals in regional, rural and remote areas,” he said.
“So, I’m encouraging local stakeholders to make a submission to the review addressing this issue, including stakeholders from the Somerset Region and surrounding areas.”
