Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Regional Communications) Share this | Hansard source

Our Stronger Rural Health Strategy will deliver around 3,000 local doctors to the regions, but it's not just about local doctors. I know Senator Williams has been a strong advocate for nurses in his state. This strategy acknowledges the crucial role that nurses play in delivering quality health outcomes. We'll support nurses to move into primary healthcare settings and improve educational opportunities for nurses about primary health care too.

Meanwhile, our consolidated Workforce Incentive Program will provide clear financial incentives for general practices out in the regions to employ more nurses in multidisciplinary environments, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and other allied health professionals. In addition to delivering more local doctors, the strategy will deliver more than 3,000 additional nurses practising in rural areas and hundreds more allied health professionals out in the regions.