Three-way partnership to bolster health workforce

The Australian Government is seeking nominations from interested Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leaders to join the new First Nations Health Governance Group in 2024. They encourage applicants with expertise across a range of health disciplines to apply. Applications close 11:59 pm (AEST) on Friday 7 June 2024.

The Australian College of Nursing comments on the ‘Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce - Scope of Practice Review’ (the 'Cormack Review'), which examines barriers, benefits and risks that health practitioners face in working to their full scope of practice in primary care. ACN Interim CEO, Professor Leanne Boyd, says potential reforms will “attract more people to nursing, keep more nurses in nursing, and attract experienced nurses back to nursing”.

Sponsored by Victoria University, this Insider Guide provides essential information for becoming an internationally qualified nurse in Australia. Applicants must apply through the Nursing and Midwifery Board, undergo an assessment against the Australian Qualifications Framework, and, depending on the stream (A, B, or C), complete the required steps including orientation, additional documentation, passing exams, or further qualification upgrades. More detailed steps are available here.

For occupations on the Skills Priority List and in shortage in Australia’s labour market, Jobs and Skills Australia identifies four main skills shortage drivers: Long Training Gap, Short Training Gap, Suitability Gap, and Retention Gap. For Australia's nursing workforce, the Long Training Gap is the primary cause, characterised by few qualified applicants and extensive training periods. However, Suitability and Retention Gaps may also contribute.