Outcome

Any barriers that can’t be solved at a local level can be addressed by those who are able to influence better outcomes.

Why is it important

Councils can advocate directly (e.g. with their local Member of Parliament) or leverage their region of councils, the LGA or RDA to get the attention of policy makers.

What makes advocacy more powerful? Two things: data and stories.

Councils need to collect, analyse and present data that provides evidence of the issues in their region and to complement this with stories that illustrate the impact.

Steps you can take

The actions in this section are tagged ‘local, regional, LGA’ to demonstrate who’s best placed to drive the advocacy.

Local

• Include data and evidence collection in workforce planning – you will have a stronger case if you can show change over time.

Regional

• Work with peak bodies to deliver professional development, mentoring and support in-region.
• Ensure your region’s needs are reflected in Regional Health Plans and government workforce development plans.
• Communities that have lost health services often lack public/passenger transport to larger centres. Advocacy for access to health care services should also consider transport arrangements, including FIFO costs for specialist services.

LGA

• Highlight opportunities for greater government investment in rural training programs and rural attraction incentives.
• Advocate for more appropriate models and funding for regional areas. It’s not just the delivery of medical services – accommodation, childcare and internet are significant barriers.

Tips

• There are several rural health workforce attraction initiatives already in place – make sure you include these in your planning, preparation and promotion.

Other steps in the Regional Health Workforce Toolkit