Doctors

What does health reform mean for doctors?

Australian doctors are world-class. Health reform will help doctors do their job even better in meeting the needs of Australians today, and the growing demand for health services into the future.

New arrangements will mean they are more supported to deliver care for patients after hours, recognising that people get sick regardless of the time of day.

Health workforce reform will ensure in the future Australia has enough doctors, particularly in areas where they are needed most. Training places for GPs will be doubled and more opportunities will be available for medical students to train, particularly for those who want to be GPs or specialists.

General practices will be assisted financially to employ practice nurses to help doctors deliver services. Doctors will be better supported to look after people in aged care.

Local health professionals – doctors, nurses and allied health professionals – will have a voice in the National Health and Hospitals Network through the establishment of national and local Lead Clinicians Groups. This reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Local Hospital Networks turn to the expertise of their lead clinicians in determining how they can best deliver on the tough national standards we will be seeking. This Government believes that local clinicians will often be the best people for the job – and local Lead Clinician Groups will also be approached to nominate clinicians to sit on the Governing Council of their Local Hospital Network.

The personally controlled electronic health record system will enable authorised healthcare providers to access a patient’s relevant health history at the touch of a button. This will support health workforce efficiency and boost patient safety, improve health care delivery, and cut waste and duplication.

Find out more about what the changes mean for the health workforce