Community in the dark over pharmacy prescribing pilot

As part of the Federal Government’s Migration Strategy, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) will undertake labour market analysis and stakeholder engagement to help inform the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL). The CSOL will identify occupations suitable for skilled migration and Australia’s workforce needs. JSA wants input from businesses, Australian and migrant workers, and job seekers to help finalise the draft CSOL. Lodge a submission or follow the progress here.

CHO Dr Kerry Chant and NSW Health consult with staff, unions, and local health districts about proposed changes to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health workers. QLD and WA have lifted mandates; VIC mandates all healthcare workers, while SA mandates certain healthcare roles. The review will assess the suitability of the compulsory vaccine program and resource allocation. Lifting the mandate would allow those who had lost their jobs to reapply for job openings.

We take a look at the latest Skills Shortages Analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia, and what it means for the Australian Health Sector. We explore the 2023 Skills Priority List, looking specifically at Health Sector Occupations, including current nationwide and statewide workforce shortages, and predicted economy-wide future demand.

NSW Health added 3,000+ workers between Feb 2023 and Feb 2024, marking the largest annual increase since early last year. The government backs measures to support and strengthen the workforce, including study subsidies for 2,030 new and graduating NSW healthcare students, safe staffing reforms, more funding for permanent roles, pay increases and salary packages for health workers, and the roll-out of 500 extra paramedics in rural and remote areas.