As national allied health leaders convene to develop a comprehensive strategy that will shape the future of healthcare services, it is critical to consider every facet of the allied health workforce. This discussion paper proposes the inclusion of Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) as a fundamental component of the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy. The inclusion of AHAs will not only enhance the capacity and capability of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) but will also support broader strategic goals such as the implementation of the national scope of practice review, address workforce growth, and ensure a sustainable succession pipeline in the health, aged care and disability sectors.  

1. Enhancing Workforce Capacity and Capability  

Allied Health Assistants play a pivotal role in augmenting the services provided by AHPs. By taking on routine and administrative tasks, AHAs allow AHPs to work at top of their scope of practice, hence increasing capacity of the allied health service delivery as a whole. This delegation of tasks helps maximise the use of skilled professionals and can lead to improved patient outcomes through more focused and specialised care. Inclusion in the national strategy would ensure standardised training and utilisation practices across all regions, further enhancing this capacity.  

2. Supporting the Implementation of National Scope of Practice Review  

The national scope of practice review aims to optimise the roles and responsibilities of AHPs based on current needs and future trends in healthcare. As evidenced through various state-based projects over the last two decades, AHAs are integral to this process as they directly support AHPs in their designated roles. By officially recognising AHAs in the national strategy, there will be a clear framework to define and regulate the tasks they can undertake, which is essential for the effective implementation of any revised scopes of practice. This inclusion will also encourage uniform standards and qualifications for AHAs across the country, thereby enhancing the professionalization and consistency of care.  

3. Addressing Workforce Growth  

AHAs represent a significant and growing segment of the healthcare workforce. Their numbers have been steadily increasing as the demand for healthcare services expands and the population ages. Strategically developing this segment of the workforce can help mitigate current and projected shortages of healthcare professionals. Formal recognition and strategic development of AHAs within the national strategy will ensure that this workforce segment is not only acknowledged but also nurtured to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector. Furthermore, the AHA role provides a clear alternate pathway for AHPs in training to further bolster not only the AHA workforce, but also the AHP training pipeline.  

4. Ensuring a Sustainable Succession Pipeline  

Investing in AHAs provides a destination occupation, and also valuable pathway for individuals entering the healthcare sector. Many AHAs gain experience and then choose to advance their careers by pursuing further qualifications to become AHPs. Including AHAs in the national strategy would formalise this pathway, providing clear and structured career progression opportunities. This not only aids in workforce retention but also ensures a continuous pipeline of trained professionals ready to meet the future needs of the healthcare system.  

The inclusion of Allied Health Assistants in the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy is not merely beneficial but essential. It enhances the capacity and capability of AHPs, supports the implementation of the national scope of practice review, addresses the growth of the workforce, and secures a succession pipeline for the future allied health workforce. As such, it is recommended that AHAs be formally recognised and integrated into the national strategy to ensure a robust, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system. This strategic move will align with the overarching goals of increasing accessibility, efficiency, and quality of healthcare services for all Australians.  

Recommendations  

1. Develop standardised role definitions and training requirements for AHAs as part of the national workforce strategy.  
2. Establish a formal career progression pathway for AHAs to advance within the allied health sector.  
3. Allocate resources for the education and professional development of AHAs to ensure a well-trained and competent workforce.  
4. Implement national standards for the utilisation of AHAs across different regions and healthcare settings to ensure consistency and quality of care.  

By addressing these recommendations, the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy will be well positioned to meet current and future healthcare challenges more effectively, with a well-supported, dynamic, and skilled workforce.  

The Allied Health Assistants’ National Association have formally written to the new Commonwealth Chief Allied Health Officer, Anita Hobson-Powell, and are keen to discuss these matters further with her department.