The RACGP has welcomed the appointment of Professor Mark Cormack to lead the Federal Government’s Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce Review.
The review, a recommendation of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, will examine how GPs and other health practitioners can work to the full extent of their skills and training.
Professor Cormack has worked in the Commonwealth, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales public service, including as Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth departments of Health, Veterans’ Affairs and Home Affairs. He has also led health workforce policy, planning and reform as CEO of Health Workforce Australia, an Australian government statutory body.
His portfolios have included responsibility for mental health, health financing, primary healthcare, hospitals, health technology assessment, and compliance. He is an Honorary Professor in the Australian National University’s College of Health and Medicine.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said she welcomes Professor Cormack’s appointment and the review.
“We’re looking forward to being involved in the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce Review, which will consider barriers and incentives for all health professionals, including GPs and practice teams, to work to their full scope of practice,” she said.
“We also look forward to working with Mark Cormack to ensure this review addresses barriers to and enablers for GPs working to their full scope of practice. Professor Cormack’s extensive experience working with all levels of government and his career’s particular focus on the health workforce will be invaluable for this review.
“This review must be about more than just task and role substitution. It’s important our health system recognises GPs are highly trained specialists with a minimum of 10 years’ training. We work directly with patients at every stage of their healthcare, from an initial consultation, to diagnosis, to working as part of a team with other specialists and allied health professionals to deliver high-quality healthcare for all patients. GPs are the foundation on which multidisciplinary team care rests.
“Medicare Benefits Scheme and Workforce Improvement Program funding should give all Australians access to a GP who can coordinate their care in the community, while also providing high-quality, safe diagnosis by experts and management in the appropriate setting for all health issues. Everyone should be able to access quality, comprehensive healthcare, whether they live in Toorak, Tamworth, or Tenant Creek.”