The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the consultation on the Draft National Nursing Workforce Strategy (the Strategy). As Australia’s peak body for rural, regional and remote health (rural hereafter), the Alliance represents 53 organisations dedicated to achieving equitable health outcomes for the over 7 million Australians living outside major cities. Our vision is to ensure healthy and sustainable rural communities across Australia.
Australians in rural areas typically have shorter lifespans, higher incidence of disease and injury, and less access to and use of health services compared to those living in major cities. The poorer health outcomes in these areas can stem from various factors, including lifestyle differences, social and geographical isolation, educational and employment disadvantages and limited access to and use of health services compared to those living in major cities.
The Alliance acknowledges the significant effort and collaboration that has gone into developing the draft Strategy. We commend the draft Strategy’s focus on valuing and supporting the nursing workforce. In particular, the emphasis on leadership, cultural safety, and the scope of practice is crucial for enhancing health service delivery in rural areas. However, to effectively address the critical issues in rural settings, the Strategy must incorporate evidence-based approaches specific to these areas. Rural health care delivery faces unique challenges, and a tailored approach is essential for improving outcomes for rural Australians. Our submission builds on our earlier feedback, reflecting the pressing need for strategic actions that address the unique challenges faced by rural nursing professionals.