Supporting the health workforce

The Federal Government is investing in Australia’s health workforce by upskilling our nation’s nurses and midwives through a new $50.2 million scholarship.

17 July 2024

 

THE Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program will provide 1,850 postgraduate scholarships over four years for registered nurses and midwives to become nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives in primary and aged care settings.

 

The funding is part of the Government's commitment to strengthen the health workforce by upskilling professionals across the primary health care system, ensuring every Australian has access to quality, timely support. The program will strengthen the health workforce in rural and remote communities by providing preference to scholarship applicants currently living or working in these areas.

 

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, said “As a former nurse, I know the impact further study can have on enhancing leadership and clinical skills. This program will not only develop our nursing and midwifery workforce, but also see improved care for all Australians across the country.

 

“We know that attracting and retaining nurses and midwives in primary and aged care has been a challenge – particularly in our regions. This program will go a long way to ensuring Australians can get the best quality care regardless of where they live.

 

“Nurse practitioners and midwives are so important – they have a unique connection to their community and increasing our support for them is key to a stronger, healthier community."

 

Following a competitive grant round, the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) will manage the Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program. ACNP is the peak national organisation for nurse practitioners and is well placed to attract quality applicants and aid them in their study.

 

As a first step, ACNP will set up an advisory group to ensure the scholarships are awarded in the areas of most need, including rural and remote communities.

 

This announcement builds on the Federal Government’s introduction of the Health Legislation Amendment (Removal of Requirement for a Collaborative Arrangement) Bill which removes barriers that prevent nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives from prescribing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines and providing services under Medicare.

 

Dr Gordon Reid, Federal Member for Robertson, said “As an emergency doctor, I know firsthand the impact that workforce shortages in our health sector have on our community.

 

“This announcement will encourage more nurses to become nurse practitioners.

 

“I’m proud to be part of a Government that is creating opportunities for professionals across the health system to upskill – this will ensure that communities like ours maintain the strong health workforce that our community need and deserve.”

 

Leanne Boase, CEO Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, stated that the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners shares this Government’s commitment to the growth of the nursing and midwifery workforces, as well as advancing their practice and clinical skills.

 

“We know that nurses and midwives working in primary care improve access to health care, and health outcomes.  Supporting and enabling their development and full scope of practice will ensure more want to work in primary care, and it will also attract many more people into the workforce,” Leanne Boase said.

 

“As the peak body for Nurse Practitioners, we are very proud to lead the Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program to help further the education of nurses and midwives towards the advanced and autonomous roles we need to improve the health of Australian people.”