Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce is an independent review, led by Professor Mark Cormack. It is looking at the available evidence about health professionals’ ability to deliver on their full scope of practice in primary care.
The review was a recommendation from the Australian Government’s Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report which explored critical areas for government action to redesign primary care as the core of an effective, modern health system.
The review is run over 4 phases (below) with opportunities for stakeholder engagement, consultation, and submissions through each phase.
OA has been actively engaged in each stage of the review to date both independently and also through our involvement with the Allied Health Peak Body AHPA. Key themes that have emerged are, legislation and regulation barriers, employer practices and settings, education and training and funding barriers.
The scope of practice review has highlighted the current inconsistency and lack of understanding of the regulatory frameworks for health professions that exist in Australia. AHPA is leading a joint piece of work to create a submission which focuses specifically on regulation frameworks.
Phase 1: Scope of Practice Evidence Review – Sept-Nov 23
OA submission
Phase 2: Issues Paper 1 Jan – Feb 24
OA Submitted a Response to Issues Paper 1
OA Reps participated in AHPA Workshops – Department Round Tables
Phase 3: Issues Paper 2 - Apr - Jun24
OA Submitted a Response to Issues Paper 2
OA Reps participated in AHPA Workshops – Department Round Tables
Phase 4 – Consultation on Draft Report and Recommendations Aug – Sept 24