26 September 2022
The Malinauskas Government should follow Victoria’s lead and provide free degrees in nursing and midwifery to help tackle staff shortages, say the SA Greens.
“After years of COVID, our health system is at breaking point with ramping continuing to skyrocket out of control. The State Labor Government needs to step up its efforts to recruit and retain health workers. Providing free nursing and midwifery degrees would encourage more people into these professions at a time when they are desperately needed, “ said SA Greens Health Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC.
“Additionally, the State Government should follow the example of NSW and Victoria and provide a $3000 thank you payment to health workers to recognise their efforts during the pandemic. At the moment, South Australia is failing to match the efforts of other states when it comes to strategies to retain and recruit healthcare workers. If the Government doesn’t take action, our health system will come under even more pressure and we risk falling even further behind.”
The Greens have also been calling on the State Government to re-introduce free carparking and public transport for hospital workers.