Workforce Insight: January 2025

Date published:
21 Jan 2025

RACP INSIGHT Socials Concept

Feedback from the Your Workforce, Your Say Survey and Focus Groups

We are pleased to announce that the recent Your Workforce, Your Say Survey received over 720 responses from a diverse subset of Australian members. Several focus groups were also held across Australian states and territories (with more to come). Thank you to those who contributed their insights through this survey and focus groups.

This provided valuable data on workforce issues, including physician supply, First Nations medical workforce, physician and trainee wellbeing, rural and remote practice, and more. Emerging issues covered include expanding scopes of practice, artificial intelligence in healthcare, supervisor support, protected teaching time, and physician assistants. Focus groups provided important insights on the impact of these issues on the ground.

Based on feedback, the College Policy and Advocacy Council, with Board support, has decided to focus workforce advocacy on workforce attraction and retention, member wellbeing, daily practice challenges, and regional, rural, and remote workforce, alongside the existing focus on Indigenous workforce.

Your ongoing contributions will continue to inform our advocacy across these areas. Stay up to date with our advocacy work by reading the College's media releases and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.


Working Better for Medicare Review: Findings and Recommendations

The Working Better for Medicare Review highlighted shortcomings in workforce distribution strategies like the District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) and Modified Monash Model (MMM) classifications. Key recommendations include:

  • Retaining the requirement for IMGs to work in DWS areas for 10 years to access Medicare benefits.
  • Expanding DWS classifications to cover more specialties and geographical areas.
  • Enhancing training, supervision, and support for IMGs, and advocating for measures to improve workforce distribution.
  • A national self-sufficiency target for the Australian medical workforce.

Final Report of the Scope of Practice Review

The Scope of Practice Review focuses on expanding the potential of the health workforce, with particular attention to primary care. The final report is now available and highlights the need to integrate physician perspectives while prioritizing patient safety.


Supporting Late-Career Doctors: Advocating for a Fairer Health Check Proposal

The RACP has submitted feedback on the Medical Board of Australia's proposal for health checks for late-career doctors, raising concerns about exacerbating workforce shortages. We advocate for a balanced approach that supports senior physicians in maintaining safe practices and transitioning toward retirement.

Read the submission


Physician/Clinician Assistants – Will We See More of Them?

The RACP has been engaging with government and stakeholders regarding the potential expansion of physician/clinician assistant roles. We have emphasized the need for thorough consultation on this issue due to concerns about patient safety, scope of practice, training, and impacts on junior doctors.


Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Balancing Innovation with Safety

The RACP has submitted feedback on the Department of Health's review of AI in healthcare, advocating for robust regulations to ensure patient safety and ethical standards. We emphasize the need for physician involvement in AI development and regular validation of AI systems.

Read the submission


Launching the Member Consultations Webpage

We recently launched the member consultations webpage, your go-to platform for policy and advocacy consultations. It allows you to provide input to College position statements and submissions, driving change and making an impact on your profession.

Find out more


Calling All Rural and Remote Physicians: Share Your Thoughts on My Health Record

My Health Record is a central hub for patient data, but specialists are falling behind in registration and usage. We need your insights on the barriers and benefits of My Health Record in your practice. Take our quick survey, and you could win a $250 gift card!


The Queensland Election: Fostering a Culture of Health and Wellbeing for Physicians and Trainees

Our 2024 Queensland Election Statement called for strategies to support the workforce and foster a culture of health and wellbeing for physicians and trainees. Specific calls included flexible training, addressing IT challenges, and investing in Chief Wellness Officers.

Read the full statement


New South Wales: Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding

The RACP continues to engage with the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding, addressing workforce shortages, funding models, digital health, and more. We are actively participating in meetings, submissions, and discussions to shape the future of healthcare in NSW.

Keep updated with our advocacy on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

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