Australia has 120 health workforce policies. But with no national plan, we’re missing the big picture

Topp, Stephanie M., Elliot, Lana, and Nguyen, Thu (2025) Australia has 120 health workforce policies. But with no national plan, we’re missing the big picture. The Conversation, 18 August 2025.

[img] PDF (Scholarly Blog Post) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: https://theconversation.com/australia-ha...
 
1


Abstract

[Extract] Australia’s health workforce is under pressure. Wait times are growing. Burnout is rising. Yet the country is awash in policy – just not the kind that solves these problems at the root.

This can explain why you’re struggling to see a GP, can’t find a dentist, or struggling to coordinate care between a mental health professional and aged-care nurse.

These issues aren’t isolated problems. As we outline in research published in the Medical Journal of Australia, they reflect a deeper issue in how Australia plans and governs its health workforce.

Item ID: 87004
Item Type: Article (Commentary)
ISSN: 2201-5639
Copyright Information: We believe in the free flow of information and so publish under a Creative Commons — Attribution/No derivatives licence.
Date Deposited: 27 Aug 2025 02:40
FoR Codes: 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4203 Health services and systems > 420311 Health systems @ 100%
SEO Codes: 20 HEALTH > 2002 Evaluation of health and support services > 200205 Health policy evaluation @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 1
Last 12 Months: 1
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page