Health workforce

At the Medical Deans of Australia New Zealand (MDANZ) Conference on September 4-5 in Newcastle, data from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) was presented, analysing the association between medical school graduation and entry into general practice and rural generalist (GP/RG) training in 2025.

Michael Wright, Rod Martin

Australia’s public hospitals are under severe financial strain, with the current National Health Reform Agreement dispute highlighting the system’s non-viability. In a compromised environment of constrained resources, government legislated work health and safety reform in public hospitals is not optional — it is urgent for all patients and staff — including those in training.

Leanne Rowe

Protecting and advancing gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare leadership is not only a moral imperative — it is essential to the health, resilience, and effectiveness of our workforce and systems.

Helena Teede, Belinda Garth, Wafa El-Adhami

Overcoming systemic barriers are the key to preventing international medical graduates from exploitation.

Nance Haxton

The ABC’s Four Corners program God Complex should be regarded as a catalyst for change. Speaking up — safely, lawfully and together — is the first step.

Leanne Rowe

Clinical schools and educational institutions have a social responsibility and contract to contribute to strengthening the capacity of the rural workforce

Susanne Tegen

The effectiveness of current workforce targets to improve the quality of aged care remains unclear

Stephanie L Harrison, Gillian E Caughey, Maria C Inacio

Junior doctors in New South Wales have long decried what they describe as unsafe working conditions and unequal pay. In February, junior doctors went on strike after a leaked email referred to the group as “marshmallows” for questioning working hours. Recently, the NSW government released its report from the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding, which calls for further efficiencies and funding.

Becca Whitehead

Public hospitals in NSW face more industrial action from doctors fed up with low wages and unsafe conditions.

Sally Block