The Albanese Labor Government has opened consultation on the next National Nursing Workforce Strategy.
Ensuring Australians can access high-quality health care no matter where they live is a priority for the Albanese Government. Australia's nursing workforce is a key component of this.
After extensive research and engagement, a draft National Nursing Workforce Strategy is now open for public consultation. This strategy will provide a national approach to shape the future of nurse workforce planning, investment and reform.
The government encourages feedback on the draft from a wide range of stakeholders, including nurses, nursing students, educators, administrators, consumers and policymakers. Targeted consultation will be held with consumers, First Nations stakeholders and peak bodies.
Feedback received will help refine the draft before it is finalised and approved by Commonwealth and State and Territory Health Ministers.
When implemented, the strategy will ensure Australia's nursing workforce is empowered to deliver care which meets the current and future needs of Australians while supporting nurses throughout their careers.
This strategy complements other government nursing reforms including the Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan, Independent Review of Overseas Health Practitioner Regulatory Settings, and Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce (Scope of Practice) Review.
To participate in the consultation over the next five weeks, please visit the National Nursing Workforce Strategy website: www.health.gov.au/nnws.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Ged Kearney MP:
"Australia's health care system is powered by the sweat, hearts and expertise of nurses. Labor will always back our nurses.
"The National Nursing Workforce Strategy is a comprehensive framework to support the nursing workforce so all Australians can continue to benefit from their quality care.
"I urge everyone who participated in the first round of consultation and helped develop this draft, and others, to join in the second round of consultation and strengthen the nursing workforce we all rely on."
