Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Health
The Tasmanian Government’s long-term strategy, Health Workforce 2040, has been released today, and will help shape recruitment priorities and determine Tasmania’s education and training needs for the service over the next 20 years.
The strategy has been developed through extensive consultation with clinicians, stakeholders, education providers and consumers, and aims to improve our workforce through strategies to develop staff, targeted recruitment and building a positive workplace environment.
We know the greatest asset in our health system is our people. We want the Department of Health to be considered a workplace of choice, where everyone feels valued, staff are recognised, and individuals feel empowered to make positive changes and are given opportunities for growth.
The 2021-22 Tasmanian Budget includes $15.7 million over four years to implement the strategy.
The objectives of Health Workforce 2040 include:
- Shaping a health workforce that meets the needs of Tasmania now and into the future;
- Looking after those who dedicate their careers to looking after others; and
- Providing opportunities to support our health professionals to follow their career ambitions.
Since coming to Government in 2014 we have employed more than 1500 additional FTE health professionals into our health system, and we are looking to employ more.
While recruitment and retention is a challenge across Australia, particularly in regional areas, the Government is working hard to address this in Tasmania through the development and work of our Health Recruitment Taskforce.
The Taskforce will consider Health Workforce 2040 and continue to make recommendations on plans and initiatives to support the recruitment of a more stable and permanent workforce, with a particular focus on our elective surgery plan, opening additional beds and taking pressure off emergency departments.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to delivering better healthcare for all Tasmanians, in the right place, at the right time, underpinned by a strong and stable workforce.
The Health Workforce 2040 strategy is available at https://www.health.tas.gov.au/ourhealthcarefuture/health_workforce_2040
