Queensland Health Workforce Needs.

The Health Workforce Needs Assessment (HWNA) aims to identify priority locations, professions, and workforce requirements to develop and support evidence-based models of service delivery in remote and rural Queensland. The HWNA contributes to the development and implementation of an evidence-based Activity Work Plan (AWP) to address national and specific priorities relating to localised health workforce needs and service gaps. The assessment integrates demographic, population health, and workforce data alongside structured consultations and considers populations with special needs and those at risk of poorer health outcomes. The identified issues will be categorized into three priority areas: access, quality, and sustainability. The list of eligible professions for support includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, Allied Health Assistant, and 24 other health professions. The HWNA informs outcomes to the Department for program planning and policy development, and its findings will be used to inform the development and implementation of the AWP. The assessment was conducted in partnership with the Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and other stakeholders, and a formal jurisdictional Health Workforce Stakeholder Group (HWSG) was created to provide strategic advice and expertise. The HWNA aims to increase access to health professionals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, supply highly skilled and culturally competent health professionals, and support the Indigenous health workforce.