Media Release: Health Ministerial roundtable puts allied health’s contribution to improved healthcare in focus
Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) has welcomed today’s roundtable with Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler MP in Sydney as an important opportunity to bring the sector together and discuss allied health’s contribution to a stronger, more accessible and sustainable Australian healthcare system.
AHPA CEO Bronwyn Morris-Donovan said the discussion reflected valuable recognition of Australia’s second-largest health workforce and its role in improving Australians’ health, wellbeing and independence, and supporting participation in work, education and community life.
“Our vision is that every Australian has access to the allied health support they need when they need it. That is both the challenge and the opportunity we provided counsel to the Minister on today,” Ms Morris-Donovan said.
“We are grateful for Minister Butler’s recognition of our workforce and the opportunity to contribute our collective expertise to shaping better care for Australians.”
“We were also delighted to be joined at the table with our Chief Allied Health Officer, Tracey Thomson and Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner of Allied Health, Geoff Argus.
“Allied health professionals help Australians move, communicate, participate, recover and live well. Their contribution extends from prevention, treatment and ongoing care to helping people live independently and participate fully in their communities,” Ms Morris-Donovan said.
“Making better use of our allied health workforce means enabling professionals to work to their full scope of practice, collaborate effectively across professions and expand their scope where it is safe and necessary to meet community need. This is an opportunity to bring more of the sector’s expertise to the care Australians receive.
“We are a broad and diverse sector, working across complex funding arrangements and service systems. Today’s discussion helps build a shared understanding of those challenges and the practical changes that can bring quality allied health care within reach of more Australians.
Quote from Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler MP
“Allied health professionals are the second largest health workforce in the country and play an essential role in our healthcare system, helping Australians stay well and maintain their independence.
For interviews please contact:
Allied Health Professions Australia Head of Media and Public Affairs: Amy Phillips, 0429 196 694