Understanding Skills Shortage Drivers for Nursing Occupations in Australia

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.

Following the Government’s Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review, expected to release its final report in October this year, Australia’s peak nursing bodies have announced they are united in supporting scope of practice and primary care reform processes. Interim ACN CEO said enabling Nurses to work to their full scope of practice will enhance health service delivery and access, increase job satisfaction, and have significant health workforce implications.

Facing skills shortages and an aging, expanding population, Australia’s growing health sector requires high-quality resources and innovative initiatives to improve workforce recruitment, training, retention, and future supply. This article examines the current Australian Skills Classification model and explores how the proposed new National Skills Taxonomy, and a more integrated skills system, could benefit the health sector.

A recent analysis of reports from major drug companies found drug companies paid more than A$33 million to doctors in the three years from late 2019 to late 2022 for consultancies and other expenses. Post-pandemic funding levels, particularly for travel, are expected to be even higher. Specialists, including rheumatologists and cancer doctors, received the most funding. Read more in this article by The Conversation, here.