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Annual Report - Outcome 12: Health Workforce Capacity > Part 2 Performance Information

Performance Information for Administered Items

Administered Funding – Health Workforce Capacity Programs, including:
  • Workforce; and
  • Rural workforce.
Indicator Measured by Reference Point or Target
Finalise the work of the Medical Specialist Training Steering Committee of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. Work of the committee completed and report provided to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. Report provided to the October Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council meeting.
Indicator met.

The Medical Specialist Training Steering Committee completed its work and the report was provided to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council at its meeting of 26 October 2006.

The council noted the committee’s final report and agreed to the qualified publication of the report making it clear that the report was a resource that may be drawn on in the implementation of COAG decisions.
Students of rural origin supported to study allied health disciplines. Scholarships awarded to rural students in allied health disciplines. 65 scholarships awarded in 2006.
Indicator met. 65 scholarships were awarded to rural students in allied health disciplines in 2006–07. Scholarships continued to be popular amongst students of rural origin with an average of 800 applicants for each of the first two selection rounds.
Additional Australian medical students undertaking clinical training in rural areas. New Rural Clinical Schools established. 3 new schools operating by the beginning of the 2007 academic year.
Indicator met. 3 new rural clinical schools operated by the Australian National University, James Cook University and the University of Newcastle were established in 2006–07. Students from these universities have commenced training at rural sites and significant infrastructure projects have been put in place.
Increased numbers of overseas trained doctors working as a result of the Strengthening Medicare measures. Number of additional doctors employed through programs initiated as part of the Strengthening Medicare measures. Over 300 additional doctors working following the introduction of these programs.
Indicator met.

474 additional doctors were working since the introduction of the Strengthening Medicare measures in 2003–04. 140 additional doctors were employed in 2006–07 through programs initiated as part of the measures.

Another 145 doctors have signed employment contracts and will soon commence work in Australia.


Performance Information for Departmental Outputs

Output Group 1. Policy Advice, including:
  • Workforce;
  • Rural workforce; and
  • 2006-07 Budget measures.
Indicator Measured by Reference Point or Target
Quality, relevant and timely advice for Government decision-making. Ministerial satisfaction. Maintain or increase from previous year.
Indicator met. Ministers were satisfied with the quality, relevance and timeliness of advice provided for Government decision-making.
Relevant and timely evidence-based policy research. Production of relevant and timely evidence-based policy research. Relevant evidence-based policy research produced in a timely manner.
Indicator met.

In 2006–07, the Department completed qualitative research to report on consumer attitudes towards the involvement of medical specialist trainees in treatment. This research helped inform new policy to address the involvement of medical specialists training in an expanded range of settings.

The Department also completed qualitative and quantitative research into the experience of outer metropolitan general practices in recruiting general practitioners and their awareness and use of Government workforce programs. This research helped inform the review and development of programs aimed at addressing outer metropolitan general practitioner shortages.

Output Group 2. Program Management, including:
  • financial management and reporting;
  • development and management of grants and contracts; and
  • administration and revision of legislation as required.
Indicator Measured by Reference Point or Target
Administered budget predictions are met and actual expenses vary less than 0.5% from budgeted expenses. Percentage that actual expenses vary from budgeted expenses. 0.5% variance from budgeted expenses.
Indicator substantially met. Funds were underspent by 2.0% of budget due to actual expenditure being less than estimated for program 12.2 – Workforce.
Stakeholders to participate in program development. Opportunities for stakeholder participation through a range of avenues, such as surveys, conferences and meetings. Stakeholders participated in program development.
Indicator met.

Stakeholders were engaged by the Department on a national level with the establishment of the Enhanced Medical Education Advisory Committee to provide advice on the development of a system for medical specialist trainees to undertake rotations through an expanded range of settings.

The Department reviewed the Rural Retention Program in September 2006 through consultation with doctors who had received payments on their views about the efficiency and effectiveness of the program. This continues to inform the development of the program.

The Department also commissioned qualitative research to report on consumer attitudes towards the involvement of medical specialist trainees in treatment. The attitudes identified will inform the development of policies and programs.


Produced by the Portfolio Strategies Division, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
URL: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/annrpt/publishing.nsf/Content/outcome-12-part-2-performance-information-3
If you would like to know more or give us your comments contact: annrep@health.gov.au