1. Review of the District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) system and the appropriateness of continuing to use the model in an Australian context.
- Provide opportunities for key rural stakeholders to consider the operation of DWS and how it could be modified.
- Consider the existing policy parameters of the DWS and provide advice on how the program could be modified to address concerns raised by stakeholders.
- Consider whether the calculation for DWS is correct given current trends.
- Consider options for a mechanism to encourage Australian trained doctors to enter rural practice.
- Discuss options and models that might support rural generalists.
- Consider the impact that a modification of the DWS may have on the workforce and the community.
2. Review the implementation and design of the Modified Monash Model (MMM).
- Undertake a review of the implementation and design of the MMM with particular focus on towns in MMM categories 6 and 7 (Remote and Very Remote Australia).
3. Consider mechanisms to encourage an equitable distribution of the health workforce.
- Consider options to address the oversupply of GPs in some areas of Australia.
- Discuss concerns that Overseas Trained Doctors are not being appropriately supervised/skilled.
- Discuss support options for the Indigenous workforce during and post training programs.
- Discuss options for Aboriginal Medical Services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to increase Medicare billings.
The recommendations proposed by the DWG may inform the future rural distribution policy.