Improving regulatory settings and IMG support
The contribution of a skilled IMG workforce is critical to addressing workforce deficits across Australia and in building the sustainability of the medical workforce into the future.
An Independent review of overseas health practitioner regulatory settings was commissioned in late 2022 and led by Ms Robyn Kruk AO. The review, known as the Kruk Review, led to a number of key recommendations for reform being endorsed by Australia’s National Cabinet in December 2023. The reforms aim to make it simpler, quicker, and cheaper for international health practitioners to work in Australia.
States and territories, including Queensland, are currently contributing to work led by the Australian Government to implement the Kruk Review recommendations.
To view the Kruk Review Final Report and implementation updates, visit: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/independent-review-of-health-practitioner-regulatory-settings
Recognising the critical role of IMGs in Australia’s health system, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) is undertaking a strategic project, known as IMG assessment experiences and performance, to identify initiatives to address barriers and support medical graduate journeys in the Australian health system.
Information about the AMC’s project, including IMG experiences survey, journey maps and personas visit: https://www.amc.org.au/about-the-amc/strategic-projects/international-medical-graduate-experiences/
Migration system reform
In December 2023, the Australian Government released its Migration Strategy with key areas of action to improve Australia’s migration system.
The strategy is based on eight key actions, with areas of reform relevant to the employment of IMGs including:
- New visa pathways replacing the current Temporary Skills Shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Improved pathways to permanent residency for holders of temporary sponsored skilled visas
- Streamlining of labour market testing requirements
- Revision of points test system
- Changes to student and temporary graduate visas
Information about Australia’s Migration Strategy is available at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-strategy
National Medical Workforce Strategy
In December 2021, Australian Health Ministers endorsed a National Medical Workforce Strategy (2021 – 2031) to guide action to build a sustainable, highly trained medical workforce to meet the current and emerging needs of Australians.
The strategy outlines five priorities for action:
- Collaborate on planning and design
- Rebalance supply and distribution
- Reform the training pathways
- Build the generalist capability of the medical workforce
- Build a flexible and responsive medical workforce
Three cross-cutting themes intersect these priorities:
- Growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical workforce and improving cultural safety
- Adapting to and better supporting new models of care
- Improving doctor wellbeing
Learn about the National Medical Workforce Strategy and implementation progress at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-medical-workforce-strategy-2021-2031