Today ACT Government will hold a roundtable with health students to discuss how we can continue to build an inclusive and empowering healthcare workforce for the Canberra community.
More than 40 health students (including from medical, nursing, allied health and research fields), academics, health officials and government representatives will attend the roundtable held at the UC.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said hearing the views of current health students will help the ACT position itself as a destination of choice for newly graduated healthcare professionals once they have completed their training.
“The ACT Government is committed to enabling a diverse and inclusive workforce to support a health system that can most effectively care for our growing community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“By hearing directly from students who are in their final year of study and will become part of our healthcare workforce, we are ensuring that we are building a system that is contemporary and attractive to healthcare professionals.
“We have heard from students that Canberra is seen as a good place to study and learn, however there need to be clearer career pathways and more understanding of job availability at the conclusion of their training.
“The ACT Health Workforce Strategy 2023-2032 soon to be released will establish a clear, coordinated set of strategies and priorities to lay the foundations for a stronger healthcare workforce.
“I look forward to further conversations with a wide range of students, especially First Nations students, people with disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to ensure that Canberra remains a great place to live and work as a healthcare professional.”
Quotes attributable to Tom Harrysson, health student at the University of Canberra:
“I am excited to attend the forum because it gives me a valuable opportunity to contribute to important discussions and decision-making processes regarding the future of healthcare.
“I see this as a chance to advocate for myself, my peers, and future students by suggesting ways to improve both healthcare education and the workforce, including what factors are important when considering commencing healthcare education or staying in the health workforce.
“I believe remaining up to date with the latest developments in healthcare is crucial, which is why I was eager to participate in the forum and share my perspective as a student.”
