Study of Patterns of Health Profession Migration

Description and Objectives

Australia currently relies on the migration of health professionals from other countries to meet the workforce requirements of the health sector, in particular in rural and regional areas. Australia faces growing global competition and ongoing ethical considerations in relation to migrant health professionals in the context of a sustained demographic shift.

A study is being undertaken by Professor Hawthorne of Melbourne University for HWA, examining patterns of immigration among a range of health professions as well as factors which may influence these patterns.   This study draws on data sources from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the Department for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.  In addition to its value in informing the debate regarding Australia’s reliance on overseas trained health professionals, the data collected as part of this study will provide an important input to the National Training Plan.

Further Information

Maureen McCarty
Tel.: +61 03 8624 5706