The need for a long term plan for Health Reform in Australia

The whole issue of health policy and health workforce is a major topic of debate. Since the change in Australian Government discussion has intensified and work has commenced to restructure both the health system and the health workforce. We are all a part of this reform agenda; we need to be informed and to contribute to it. This paper focuses on why health reform is needed in Australia and what is required – A nationally integrated health care SYSTEM that delivers safe, quality, effective health services to ALL Australians irrespective of geography, socio-economic, and racial background. It discusses who and how the current reform agenda is being approached and what implications this has for the allied health workforce. A key aspect of the health reform agenda is that of the development of a competency based framework for the health workforce (National Health Workforce Taskforce). Such a framework can be utilized in planning for the education and training of the health workforce, for workforce planning, for health service planning and in the development of new roles and professions. This is critical to meet the needs of an ageing population, with an ageing workforce. However, such an approach is likely to create concern amongst professions that will be affected. Using the National Health Service Allied Health Competency Framework Project as an example, this paper discusses what is implied by a competency framework and its implications for the allied health workforce. The paper concludes with a request for allied health professionals to stay informed with regards to the progress of health reform and to get involved in the consultation process. Change will happen and it can either happen with us or to us! The paper was only made available to delegates at the conference, to take back to work colleagues who were unable to attend.