Media Release
19 January 2006
Productivity commission's reforms on shaky ground
Reforms for the health workforce are fundamental both in the short and long term because of the ageing of the health workforce in combination with the ageing of the general population and the increasing cost of health care delivery.
The ANF accepts that a national focus for reform is crucial. However, the report recommends using a large number of new bodies to achieve this objective.
ANF Federal Secretary Jill Iliffe said, 'the scope of the recommendations is so broad, the ANF is concerned they won't be implemented in full and if only partially implemented, they will not achieve the necessary outcomes.'
There is already resistance from the medical profession to this type of reform and the government's track record is not good in confronting doctors.
'The government panders to doctors as a sectional interest group rather than looking at what is best for the health sector as a whole. If it continues to do this the commission's recommendations will be watered down.
'Unfortunately, doctors appear to consider that, while health reform is essential, it should not apply to them,' said Ms Iliffe.
In commenting on the report's recommendations for national registration, national standards and national accreditation, Ms Iliffe said, 'national consistency is important providing it doesn't reflect the lowest common denominator. Nursing already has national standards for registration'.
The ANF expressed support for the productivity commission's recommendation to extend Medicare rebates to cover a wider range of services.
'It is important that people have access to a wider range of services. We all pay taxes and our taxes fund Medicare, so it is quite reasonable that other services such as nursing, physiotherapy and podiatry are funded as well. The ANF would like to see dental services also included in the list.'
Ms Iliffe also said, 'the industrial relations changes of the Howard Government will have a significant effect on the health workforce and the productivity commission's recommendations need to take this into consideration. Any reduction in wages and conditions will be counterproductive to achieving the commission's aims.'
The ANF, representing 145,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses in Australia.
Media inquiries
Jill Iliffe, Federal Secretary 0419 576 590
Ged Kearney, Assistant Federal Secretary 0417 053 322
Lani Stanistreet, Manager Communication & Journals 0414 471 339