Nurses

What does health reform mean for nurses?

Health reform recognises the vital role nurses play in the nation’s health, hospitals and aged care system.

Practice nurses will have greater – and more fulfilling – roles in delivering care for patients seeing their GP. The Australian Government is ensuring nurses receive the training they need, particularly for those who work in rural and remote Australia, and in aged care. Rural and remote nurses can take time out knowing that local care will continue for their patients.

The Government is committed to reforming the mental health system, particularly for young Australians who are at most risk, but least likely to seek treatment. There will also be flexible care packages for people with severe mental illness and more specialist mental health nurses, meaning more quality care for people with mental illness.

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.

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