We are pleased to present Australia’s first National Nursing Workforce Strategy (strategy). A significant milestone for the nursing profession in Australia. Developed through extensive collaboration and consultation, the strategy aims to address challenges and seize opportunities for the nursing profession.
The strategy presents a cohesive and proactive response to promote attraction, recruitment and retention, encourage innovative and multidisciplinary practice while fostering the nursing leaders of today and tomorrow. Considering the evidence of significant workforce shortages, delaying strategic workforce action risks further compromise of Australia’s population health, placing undue strain on the existing workforce. By prioritising a forward-thinking nursing workforce strategy, Australia can ensure its health and aged care system remains flexible and capable of meeting the needs of its population now and into the future.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. Nurses are fundamental to the delivery of health care and services. They are key leaders, decision-makers, and innovators within and across the health and aged care system. Their ability to influence, lead, manage and operationalise change, alongside their commitment to providing scientific, evidence-based care, makes our profession indispensable.
These strengths ensure the profession continues to attract a diverse range of individuals and retains these committed, high-performing nurses – which is essential for system sustainability. Emphasising flexibility and promoting a healthy work-life balance are fundamental to these aims.
A collaborative effort is required to ensure the nursing workforce remains at the forefront of delivering person-centred services for all Australian communities. The strategy demonstrates the need for collective will, commitment, and action from governments, regulators, employers, education providers, professional bodies, and individual nurses, to drive effective implementation and sustainable change in the nursing workforce.
The strategy is the result of extensive collaboration and consultation with the sector. This includes input from more than 7,000 individuals who participated in various forms of consultation, including forums, online surveys, focus groups, yarning circles and one-on-one discussions. We extend our gratitude to the many organisations and individuals who contributed their time, expertise, and passion to this endeavour.
We would also like to thank the members of the Strategy Steering Committee and Strategy Advisory Group for their expertise, advice and oversight in development of the strategy. Their dedication to the future of nursing in Australia has been invaluable in shaping a comprehensive and purposeful strategy.
Thank you to Frances Rice RN, Allison Thomas, Karen Cook RN, Lucy Twigg RN, Samantha Lavender RN, Emma Saddington RN, Kristen Simpson, Anna Smith, Joanna Ubels, Victoria Wakefield RN, Jessica Ring, Kate Lehmensich, Karen Granton, Shreya Biswas RN, Danielle Ferguson, Brianna He, Lana Fligic, Rebecca Meynell, Alison McCluskey RN, Suzanne Michaelis, Suzanne Hughes RN, Tracey Thomson, Niluka De Silva and Cia Kay, the strategy project team, for your unwavering dedication and hard work to bring this strategy to fruition.
We look forward to the positive impact this strategy will have on the nursing workforce and health and wellbeing outcomes in Australia.
Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan PSM Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Co-Chair Strategy Steering Committee Co-Chair Strategy Advisory Group | Adjunct Professor Karrie Long Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer, Victoria Co-Chair Strategy Steering Committee Co-Chair Strategy Advisory Group |