7.6 Jurisdictional variation

It is clear from the consultations that the implementation of expanded training arrangements will need to reflect the individual circumstances and requirements of the health care systems within each state and territory.

There are a number of key areas of difference between the jurisdictions which are likely to influence the rate of implementation, the structure and the priority areas.

These differences include:

• the current training and service capacity of both the public and private health systems in the state or territory
• the quantum and timeline of increases to medical school graduates in that jurisdiction
• the structure of state health systems - such as the role of outpatient departments and any existing developments in the formation of training networks
• demography, population and epidemiological variations
• distance and other features of geography.

Given the number of issues that need to be considered within each jurisdiction, it is only appropriate that the rate of implementation vary across the country. The principles developed by Reference Group 2 could be used to ensure that the approach to implementation is nationally consistent, but still capable of reflecting local circumstances, needs, capacity and priorities around Australia.