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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 92 asked in the Legislative Council on 22 February 2022 by Hon James Hayward

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

NURSE RECRUITMENT

92. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House representing Minister for Health:

I refer to the recruitment of nurses from interstate and overseas.

(1) Following the announcement that Western Australia will open its borders on 3 March, what action has the McGowan government taken to ensure nurses are recruited expediently to reduce the strain on our current workforce?

(2) Has the McGowan government devised a plan to ensure additional nurses are able to be deployed to regional areas?

(3) Considering the severe housing shortages in regional areas, does the McGowan government have a plan to provide accommodation to nurses who can be recruited to live in regional areas?

(4) What other actions are being undertaken to relieve the strain on WA nurses?

Hon SUE ELLERY replied:

(1)–(4) The McGowan government has taken action to boost the number of nurses working in our health system. Actions taken include introducing relocation incentives for eligible international health professions, adopting a fast-track initiative allowing newly qualified nurses and midwives to facilitate early employment and launching the Belong recruitment campaign. These actions have resulted in an overall increase in the nursing and midwifery workforce. Between January 2021 and January 2022, nursing and midwifery staffing levels have increased by 1 018 FTE.