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On 5 and 6 November 2024, around 40 passionate healthcare advocates from around the state met in Launceston for the Tasmanian Health Senate.
The Senate brings together members representing all corners of the State and all sectors of the health system as a collective voice to provide advice on health issues of statewide and strategic importance. Chaired by Clinical Associate Professor Marcus Skinner AM and Associate Professor Viet Tran, membership of the Tasmanian Health Senate includes clinicians and consumers with a shared goal of improving the health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians.
This year, the Senate has focused its attention on Tasmania’s health workforce. Throughout the year, Senate members have gained a shared understanding of Tasmania’s current workforce landscape and what is needed to build and develop a sustainable and positive workforce for now and into the future.
At this session, Senate members heard from a range of guest speakers, including Dr Tanya Kelly, Chair of the Queensland Clinical Senate. Dr Kelly provided insight into how a Senate can influence change across a health system through the development of innovative and practical recommendations and how this also empowers a Senate to mature.
The Senate also welcomed the Hon. Jacquie Petrusma, at her first Senate event as Minister for Health. The Minister welcomed members and acknowledged the service and commitment to all those who contribute to Tasmania’s health workforce.
At this final workforce debate for 2024, the Senate will be delivering recommendations to the Department on what can be achieved in the next 12 months, what workforce data is useful and where are the gaps, how to confirm a happy and sustainable workforce, education and training pathway opportunities, and other long-term considerations.
These recommendations, along with debate highlights will be captured in a Meeting Report, that the Co-Chairs will present to the Secretary, Department of Health for consideration.
“The discussion and advice provided by the Tasmanian Health Senate will build on the Department’s strategic approach to workforce challenges and will further enhance delivery of our Health Workforce 2040 long-term strategy,” said Co-Chairs Marcus and Viet.
“We acknowledge and value the contributions of members of the Tasmanian Health Senate and look forward to providing our recommendations to the Department, to improve health services for all Tasmanians.”
For more information about the Tasmanian Health Senate, please visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/about/what-we-do/strategic-programs-and-initiatives/clinical-engagement#tasmanian-health-senate.