Health Workforce
The Western Parkland City is growing rapidly, but healthcare workforce shortages threaten access to quality care. Learn about the current challenges, workforce trends, and opportunities for action.
📥 Download Full Report: Health Workforce Statement
📊 Key Facts About Western Parkland City
- 1.16 million residents and growing
- High cultural diversity: 79.4% speak a non-English language at home in Fairfield
- Below-average GP and allied health workforce ratios
- 20% of GPs in some LGAs are over 65 years old, raising retirement concerns
- High demand but difficult recruitment & retention of healthcare workers
✏️ Why This Matters:
Without action, workforce shortages will increase patient wait times, worsen healthcare access, and put a strain on hospitals.
🚩 Key Issues Impacting Healthcare in Western Sydney
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Below-average clinician ratios | Many LGAs have fewer GPs and allied health professionals per resident than NSW’s average. |
| Aging workforce | Many GPs are nearing retirement, with few replacements available. |
| Recruitment & retention difficulties | Long commutes, lack of incentives, and stressful conditions make hiring hard. |
| Training shortages | Limited GP registrars and training programs in some LGAs. |
| Financial stress on practices | Medicare rebates and bulk billing shifts make small clinics struggle to stay open. |
💡 What Can Be Done?
The Western Sydney Health Alliance proposes strategic actions to build a stronger healthcare workforce:
✅ Support & Retain Current Workforce
- Liveability incentives to encourage health workers to live and work in peri-urban areas
- Support for GP training practices to retain registrars
- Wellbeing and burnout reduction programs
✅ Adjust Resource Allocation
- Invest in better workforce data collection
- Advocate for equitable distribution of GP trainees and placements
✅ Expand Workforce Capacity
- Support multidisciplinary team models in general practice
- Fund incentivized training pathways and fast-track recruitment for new healthcare workers
✅ Strengthen Digital & Service Integration
- Invest in telehealth and digital workforce solutions
- Improve collaborations between hospitals, general practices, and allied health services
