The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has welcomed the NSW Government's response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding, particularly its commitment to alternate models of care and supporting health workers to practice to their full scope.
ACN Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz FACN said the Government's response recognises the critical role nurses play in delivering sustainable, patient-centered healthcare across NSW.
"We are pleased to see the Government's commitment to examining alternate and preventative models of care," Adjunct Adjunct Professor Zeitz said. "Nurses are central to delivering these innovative models, particularly in primary health, aged care and mental health settings."
The ACN submission to the Inquiry highlighted evidence that investing in nursing improves clinical outcomes without significantly increasing costs. With nurses and midwives comprising the largest healthcare profession in Australia and 40% working outside the hospital setting, their expertise is essential to the system transformation the Government has outlined.
"The Government's focus on preventative healthcare and supporting practitioners to work to their full scope of practice aligns directly with ACN's recommendations," Adjunct Professor Zeitz said. "However, realising this vision requires targeted investment in the nursing workforce at every career stage."
ACN particularly welcomes commitments to:
- Support clinicians working to their full scope of practice through innovative workforce models,
- Develop statewide clinical service planning focused on community health needs,
- Invest in alternate and preventative models of care to deliver long-term system sustainability,
- Strengthen workforce planning and transparency measures.
"To shift care from hospitals to community settings requires properly supported transition-to-practice programs in primary health, aged care and mental health," Adjunct Professor Zeitz said.
"Our primary health nursing workforce needs urgent renewal through graduate programs and postgraduate education opportunities."
ACN called on the NSW Government to back its reform agenda with investment in:
- Specialised transition-to-practice programs beyond traditional hospital graduate programs,
- Scholarships for postgraduate nursing studies,
- Statewide mentoring programs for nurses at all career stages,
- Leadership development pathways throughout nursing careers.
"The evidence is clear – nurses working to their full scope in well-designed models of care can prevent complications, reduce hospitalisations and improve health outcomes," Adjunct Professor Zeitz said.
"We look forward to working with the NSW Government to ensure nurses have the support, education and recognition needed to deliver the alternate models of care our community needs and deserves."
