Productivity Commission Final Workforce Report

The Council of Remote Area Nurses of Australia welcomes the productivity Commissions workforce report.

CRANA is encouraged by the recommendations to broaden the scope of Medicare.

“GP centric models have failed miserably in remote Australia, the new Medicare proposal has the potential to strengthen essential elements of the primary health care team & improve the quality of health care” said Mr Rod Wyber-Hughes, director of CRANA.

CRANA sees great benefit in national registration standards across the health disciplines. Importantly, the adoption of national registration for Aboriginal Health workers.

 In remote Australia, Aboriginal Health Workers are crucial in developing sustainable health outcomes for the community. However, training & education varies greatly across the states & territories, often at the expense of the community health care.

“National registration standards, recognition of prior learning and clear career pathways will definitely raise the profile and importance of Aboriginal Health workers,” said Mr Wyber-Hughes.

CRANA supports other recommendations in the report & looks forward to participating in implementing the proposals to produce a more flexible and capable workforce.