Review of Australian Government Health Workforce Programs

This page contains information on the Review of Australian Government Health Workforce Programs.

Background

A review of Australian Government health workforce programs, announced as part of the 2012-13 Budget, is currently being undertaken.
It is timely to review existing programs to ensure they are addressing workforce priorities and supporting optimal targeting of Government efforts.
Current rural and workforce classification systems are being examined as part of the review, including the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Areas and Districts of Workforce Shortage systems.
Broader health workforce challenges, including those identified in the Health Workforce Australia Report, Health Workforce 2025: Doctors, Nurses and Midwives are also being considered.
The Minister for Health, the Hon Plibersek MP, has appointed Ms Jennifer Mason as the independent external expert to lead the review, supported by Health Workforce Division. Ms Mason has an extensive background in public administration as a former Director-General of the NSW Departments of Human Services and Community Services.

Consultations for the review have commenced. A series of themed round table meetings with peak national stakeholder groups are scheduled in October and November 2012. Attendance at round table meetings is by invitation from the Department.
Organisations and individuals may also provide written submissions, noting these will not be formally requested. Written submissions will be considered as part of the review process but will not necessarily be published.

A draft of the review report is scheduled to be provided to the Minister for Health by the end of December 2012, with the final report due by the end of March 2013.
Written submissions must be received by no later than 30 November 2012 in order to be considered during the review.

Enquires about the review, as well as any written submissions, should be sent by email to HWP.Review@health.gov.au