Outcome 12: Health Workforce Capacity > Performance Information

Result: Indicator met.

The Department met the target of at least 15 new specialist training positions funded in settings outside of public teaching hospitals, with 98 new positions funded in expanded training settings in 2007–08. This is in addition to 48 specialist training positions in expanded settings for psychiatry funded under Outcome 11 – Mental Health.

These training positions were all accredited by the relevant specialist medical college and approved by the relevant state or territory health department.

Result: Indicator met.

The Department exceeded the target for this program, awarding 95 scholarships to rural origin students in 2007–08. Assistance was also provided to over 160 practising rural and remote allied health professionals to undertake continuing professional development activities under the Australian Rural and Remote Health Professional Scholarship Scheme.

Result: Indicator met.

In 2007, 27.5% of Australian Government supported medical students (at universities participating in the Rural Clinical Schools Program) completed at least one year of rural training prior to graduation.

Result: Indicator met.

Funding for the Monash University Department of Rural and Indigenous Health was increased in 2007–08 to parity levels with the other ten University Departments of Rural Health. The Monash University Department of Rural and Indigenous Health was recognised as a University Department of Rural Health in mid 2006. However, it was not able to operate as a full University Department of Rural Health until it was allocated additional funding by the Department in 2007–08, including infrastructure support for its key site at Moe in Victoria. As a result, the Department was able to increase the number of fully operational University Departments of Rural Health to 11.

Result: Indicator substantially met.

178 overseas trained doctors were recruited and commenced working in outer metropolitan, rural, remote districts of workforce shortage during 2007–08. Of these, 63% were located in rural and remote locations.

Of the 200 new scholarships available in 2007–08, only 147 were awarded.

Result: Indicator met.

Ministers were satisfied with the advice provided by the Department for Australian Government decision-making. This is on par with ministerial satisfaction in 2006–07.

Result: Indicator met.

In 2007–08, research was undertaken in a range of health workforce areas. For example, market research was commissioned to ascertain consumer attitudes toward medical treatment by specialist trainees. This broadly focused research informed the development of the Expanded Specialist Training Program, which is furthering the expansion of specialist training into health care settings outside of teaching hospitals. Research into administrative, funding and reporting models to support implementation of the Expanded Specialist Training Program was also commissioned.

Result: Indicator met.

Actual expenses varied by 0.47% from budgeted expenses in 2007–08.

Result: Indicator met.

The Department facilitated the implementation of the Council of Australian Governments Nationally Consistent Assessment of International Medical Graduates by hosting meetings and providing the Chair and secretariat services for the Implementation Committee. The committee comprised representatives of state and territory medical boards, health departments, specialist medical colleges, the Australian Medical Council, the Australian Medical Association, postgraduate medical councils and consumer organisations.

Stakeholders were involved in the development of allocation strategies, and eligibility and guidance material for the Support for Allied Health in Rural and Remote Areas initiative.