Independent review of Australia's regulatory settings relating to overseas health practitioners (Kruk Review) – Final Report, Dec 2023

This article takes a look at some main challenges facing Australia's health workforce into the future. It explores the latest Government initiatives and opportunities for health career development.

ABC News reports on the recent deal negotiated between the AMA, the Rural Doctors' Association of South Australia and the Rural Support Service, which provides an additional $10,000 to GPs who move to regional towns in South Australia. Current GPs can receive a recognition payment of up to $5,000, while Flinders University is set to start a new program to increase the supply of rural trainee doctors trained regionally rather than in the city.

The Dept of Health and Aged Care releases quarterly Medicare statistics in an accessible infographic format - the Jul-Sep YTD 2023 period saw slight decreases in Medicare and Bulk Billed Services compared to last year, with the National Bulk Billing Rate decreased from 78.1% to 74.5%. Despite this, total benefits paid increased, while the Average (out-of-hospital) Patient Contribution was less than last year at $72.64, compared to $72.87 in 2022.

This article explores the updated directive from the Australian government to prioritise employer-sponsored visa applications for occupations carried out in regional areas. This priority shift will help to support regional and rural health employers who are facing critical staff and skills shortages.