The health system in Queensland is facing an increase in demand for health services, driven by an increase in population, an ageing population and an increase in acuity levels.

The health workforce is ageing and is facing acute skill and labour shortages and falling participation rates as workers are choosing a better work/life balance. At the same time, consumers are demanding greater access to quality health services including access to new and improved treatments.

In order to meet current and anticipated demands on the health system, within a tightening economic environment, stakeholders need to work together to identify and address critical workforce issues which affect the sustainability and growth of the health sector.

The Health Skills Formation Strategy will provide a framework in which the industry can work to examine workforce issues and collaborate in planning and implementation of strategies to address these issues. It aims to improve the sustainability of the industry be ensuring strong links between industry, government and the education and training sectors.