Better health and ageing for all Australians

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New measure increases medical workforce

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, and the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Philip Ruddock, today announced an increase in the number of hospital doctors across Australia this year.

In this section:

19 March 2003

Joint media release


The Hon Philip Ruddock
Minister for Immigration and
Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs


New measure increases medical workforce

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, and the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Philip Ruddock, today announced an increase in the number of hospital doctors across Australia this year.

Last December a new measure was announced to allow international students who have undertaken their training at Australian medical schools to remain in Australia as part of the medical workforce.

Senator Patterson said that following the announcement of this measure a total of 93 international students were placed in internship positions in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia, filling vacancies unable to be filled by the Australian medical workforce.

"This is an excellent result and demonstrates the Government's determination to address current pressures on the medical workforce," she said.

Mr Ruddock advised that "the Government will continue to work closely with states and territories, universities and the medical profession to implement this important initiative".

"This program will be reassessed on an annual basis to ensure that it continues to be based on medical workforce need, while we work to address longer-term workforce issues," he said.

Senator Patterson said that the measure is a good example of the Federal Government refusing to be distracted by State politicking and grandstanding on the health care agreements. It has instead pressed ahead to implement reforms that have resulted in more doctors in State-run public hospitals and benefited patients.

Media inquiries, contact Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.

Further information, Steve Ingram, Mr Ruddock's Media Adviser, 0419 278 715