La Trobe University is pleased to see the positive steps the Government is taking to support health workforces that face serious skills shortages.

Nurses and midwives are the backbone of primary care, and La Trobe has a proud tradition of preparing generations of registered nurses and nurse practitioners for the workforce through pathways into undergraduate and postgraduate study.

We know that encouraging health professionals to upskill boosts their chances of going into practice at the end of their studies, particularly in rural and regional areas.

As a registered nurse, like Assistant Minister Kearney who’s a former nurse, I know that equipping professionals with additional tools, skills and confidence will ensure they have every opportunity to thrive in their roles and, ultimately, achieve improved care for all Australians.

Professor Jane Mills, Pro Vice-Chancellor Health Innovation, La Trobe University