The World Health Organization has emphasized that “health systems can only function with health workers.” In Australia, health practitioners, a crucial subset of health workers, comprise 5% of the national workforce, with nurses making up about half of this group. However, this workforce is under significant pressure due to rising service demands, environmental and geopolitical challenges, and ongoing policy reforms.
Despite a 37% increase in the health practitioner workforce from 2013 to 2022, demand continues to outpace growth. The most substantial growth was seen among allied health professionals, who increased by 67%, followed by medical practitioners at 41%. Yet, shortages persist, with 82% of health occupations reporting deficits in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, leading to workforce attrition and fatigue.
Pressures on the Health Workforce
The health workforce in Australia is distributed across public and private sectors, covering primary, secondary, and tertiary care. It also intersects with other areas such as disability and aged care. This complex landscape is further strained by fiscal constraints, intricate professional governance, and interactions with other systems, necessitating a consolidated workforce policy.
Recent royal commissions have highlighted the urgent need for a larger, better-trained, and better-paid care workforce, particularly in rural and regional areas. The current fragmentation of policies undermines coordinated workforce planning and equity, as noted by a review from Topp and colleagues in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA).
Fragmented Policies and the Need for Coordination
The review by Topp and colleagues sheds light on the fragmented nature of health workforce policies in Australia. These policies often focus on specific professions or geographic locations, neglecting a holistic approach to workforce planning. The authors argue that a comprehensive strategy is essential for the long-term resilience of the Australian healthcare system.
While consolidating national health policies is crucial, the majority of the workforce is employed by state and territory governments, each with its own policies. This disparity complicates efforts to create a unified approach to workforce planning.
The Path Forward: Strategic Planning and Policy Reform
According to Topp and colleagues, the current patchwork of health workforce policies is largely reactive, addressing specific issues without fully understanding or resolving them. A more strategic approach, involving collaboration with relevant organizations and the broader community, is necessary to sustain the healthcare workforce.
For instance, changes to education curricula could foster interest in healthcare careers among students, while accessible professional training could encourage retention in the workforce. Additionally, reducing reliance on recruiting health professionals from overseas is vital for the sustainability of workforces globally.
Integrating Health Workforce Strategies
Any new health workforce strategy should consider its relationship with the broader care sector. The health workforce operates in an environment of increasing costs, complex governance, and competing healthcare reform agendas. Policies must address these challenges realistically, requiring resources, collaboration, and political will.
“The health workforce is a vital component of sustainable health systems and warrants a policy framework that focuses attention on overcoming major barriers to ensuring the availability of workers where they are required.”
As Australia navigates these challenges, a coordinated and strategic approach to workforce planning will be essential to meet future population needs and ensure the resilience of its healthcare system.
