13/2/02
The State Government has announced a new strategy to address allied health shortages across Western Australia with the release of a $500,000 rural scholarship and assistance package.
Premier Geoff Gallop said the package was designed to attract more allied health professionals to country areas and support existing staff.
"These scholarships are an investment in the future of rural allied health services such as audiology, clinical psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech pathology and physiotherapy," Dr Gallop said.
"They will help ensure that people who wish to practice as allied health professionals in rural areas will be given the financial support to do so.
"They are also part of the State Government's commitment to turning the health system around - especially in the staffing area, where a lack of planning over many years has resulted in shortages."
Dr Gallop said the program would be rolled out in three stages, with the first focusing on final year allied health students willing to work in the country after graduation.
A total of 12 scholarships, with a value of up to $5,000 each, are on offer.
"We have designed the scholarships in a way which will guarantee that students actually practice in rural areas," the Premier said.
"The first instalment of $2,000 will be awarded during the final year of study, and a second instalment of up to $3,000 - depending on the location of employment - will be paid once they have completed 12 months' full-time employment within a country health service.
"It is anticipated that once students have spent time living and working in a rural area, they will be more willing to establish a career in the country."
Dr Gallop said the scholarship program - a key election commitment - was backed by a major State Government strategy to boost allied health staff across the State.
In November last year, an Allied Health Taskforce on Workforce Issues was established, with support from the Departments of Health and Disability Services to investigate and address issues relating to the recruitment, employment and retention of allied health professionals throughout WA.
Submissions to the taskforce can be made up until February 28, with the final report expected to go to the State Government in June this year.
Dr Gallop said the Department of Health had identified shortages in allied health professionals in a range of areas, but particularly in audiology, speech pathology and pharmacy.
"These shortages are particularly acute in rural areas such as the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields and the Kimberley," he said.
"Late last year, for example, there were approximately 35 allied health vacancies in our country areas.
"This new strategy should attract more students to the country and, more importantly, keep them there."
Health Minister Bob Kucera said stages two and three of the scholarship and assistance scheme would be implemented later this year.
Stage two includes assistance with travel costs to allied health students completing rural placements as part of their studies and stage three will offer financial support for country-based allied health professionals who wish to undertake post-graduate studies.
Further information is available for students at University Scholarship Offices. Application packages can also be obtained by contacting Suzanne Spitz at the Department of Health on 9222 4484 or email: Suzanne.Spitz@health.wa.gov.au
Media contacts:
Premier's office - 9222 9475
Health Minister's office - 9213 7000
