Health workforce

Health workforce 13 October 2025

An open letter to the boards of our public hospitals and medical organisations on government legislated WHS standards

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
Health workforce 2 June 2025

Running on fumes for years: junior doctors say system is unsafe, not just underfunded

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.

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Health workforce 31 March 2025

The best time to have a baby during a medical career

Advice about delaying pregnancy or parental leave may be dismissed as an innocent attempt to help early career doctors achieve their goals, but it constitutes a breach of the Sex Discrimination Act. The fundamental human right to choose when or whether to have a baby is none of our business.

Leanne Rowe