Universities Australia welcomes additional university places and funding for new training facilities to boost the supply of doctors practicing in regional and rural areas.
Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the Albanese Government’s commitment would help address chronic skill shortages plaguing regional health workforces.
“Australians living in regional and rural areas aren’t getting the health and medical services they need because we don’t have enough health professionals,” Ms Jackson said.
“These measures will help alleviate some of the pressures being felt in those areas.
“At the same time, we need to ensure we have enough clinical placements in the system so that students can complete the qualifications needed to proceed to professional registration.
“Universities are reliant on health service providers to deliver placements for students. We cannot educate more doctors without more – and the right type of – clinical placements.
“We look forward to continuing our discussions with government, through the Universities Accord and beyond, to ensure universities are fully supported to meet Australia’s education and skills needs.”
