A new report commissioned by HumanAbility titled Global Healthcare Labour Markets: Australia in Context, places Australia’s healthcare workforce within a global context outlining trends such as ageing populations, technological advancements and significant labour shortages. Written by Thinker in Residence Professor James Buchan, the report explores strategies to strengthen Australia’s workforce in response to critical issues like labour shortages, technological advances and ethical recruitment practices.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates a global shortage of 15 to 43 million trained healthcare workers, affecting both low-income and developed countries. This shortage fuels intense competition for skilled professionals and creates risks for Australia where over 30% of doctors and nearly 20% of nurses are trained overseas. The report highlights ethical concerns about recruiting healthcare workers from low-income countries where they are critically needed. To address both local needs and global responsibilities, the report recommends aligning Australia’s migration policies with efforts to strengthen local training and retention. This approach would help reduce dependency on overseas-trained professionals while supporting a sustainable global healthcare workforce.
Digital health technologies, such as telemedicine saw rapid adoption during COVID-19 and offer new ways to improve access to care. However, these advancements require additional skills in data security and digital literacy as well as integrated systems to work effectively. The report highlights the need for targeted training and support to equip Australia’s healthcare workforce for the future.
The pandemic placed significant pressure on healthcare workers worldwide. WHO estimates that nearly half experienced severe stress, leading to burnout. Many healthcare professionals have since reduced their hours or left the sector. Professor Buchan’s report calls for strong support systems to improve workforce wellbeing, particularly in critical care areas and emphasises that enhancing retention will be essential to maintaining a resilient healthcare system.
Australia invests 9.6% of its GDP in healthcare, which is above the average for developed countries, reflecting a strong commitment to health services. However, an ageing population and an increasing reliance on migrant workers highlight the need to build a sustainable, locally trained workforce. The report recommends increasing investment in the VET sector to expand training opportunities in underserved areas and prepare workers for roles in Long-Term Care.
Access to healthcare remains a challenge in rural and remote areas, where focused recruitment and training programs are essential. To attract healthcare professionals to these regions, the report suggests incentives like scholarships, housing and loan repayment support. Tailored solutions in these communities can reduce reliance on overseas-trained professionals and ensure healthcare needs are met across the country. The report’s key recommendations include investing in local training and retention, particularly in rural and underserved areas, aligning migration policies with workforce development to reduce reliance on international recruitment while supporting ethical standards and expanding VET pathways to prepare healthcare workers with the skills needed to address future healthcare demands.
Professor Buchan’s paper reinforces the need to foster a sustainable, skilled workforce to help Australia respond to the challenges of a changing global landscape and ensure quality care for all Australians. The paper is an important contribution to the conversation and HumanAbility will continue to work with stakeholders to identify ways to strengthen Australia’s healthcare workforce and build a system that is adaptable, resilient and focused on positive health outcomes for communities.
We encourage you to read Professor Buchan’s full report here.
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