National Health Workforce Innovation & Reform Strategic Framework for Action

HWA is pleased to release the National Health Workforce Innovation and Reform Strategic Framework for Action 2011-2015 and Background Paper.

The Framework was approved by the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference (AHMC) on 4 August 2011 and fulfills a commitment detailed within the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) National Partnership Agreement on Hospital and Health Workforce Reform (2008). It aims to guide the workforce responses required to facilitate the Australian Government’s National Health Reform program.

The National Health Workforce Innovation and Reform Strategic Framework for Action 2011-2015 (Framework) has been designed to provide an overarching, national platform that will guide future health workforce policy and planning in Australia. It sets out key priority areas and five essential domains that create the foundation for an integrated, high performing workforce fit to meet Australia’s health care needs.

The Framework and accompanying Background Paper are now available for download:

We would encourage you to download the Framework in electronic format (.pdf) by clicking on the links above.

To request a hard copy of the documents above, complete the online Framework Order Form.

The Framework (.pdf)

Background Paper (.pdf)

Domains for Action (.pdf)

Developing the Framework

Following an intensive initial period of research, HWA developed a draft Framework for consultation and worked with partners across sectors, jurisdictions and professions during an extensive national consultation process from April to May 2011.

HWA sought feedback on the draft documentation from stakeholder groups across health, education and industry sectors whose representatives participate in these consultations. These groups included:

Higher education and training providers
Public and non-government health and aged care providers
Professional and regulatory bodies
Consumer and carer groups
Service providers
Jurisdictional officials
Health workforce policy, planning and research officers

Numerous individuals and organisations also contributed feedback via written submissions to HWA.

HWA thanks all these partners, individuals and organisations who generously participated during this development stage.

Into the future - next steps for the Framework

HWA is currently in the process of developing an implementation plan in collaboration with key partners and anticipates the continued support of health, education and industry sectors moving forward to the implementation stage.

The future success of the Framework relies on continued partnerships and collaboration across sectors and professional boundaries. With continued partnership, this work will support a health care system that delivers better health for Australians in the decades to come.