Australia Unveils National Nursing Workforce Strategy: A Major Step Towards a Stronger Nursing Workforce

Australia has introduced its National Nursing Workforce Strategy, setting out a long-term framework to grow, support and retain the country’s nursing workforce. The strategy aims to address current and future workforce challenges while creating new opportunities for nurses to contribute to Australia’s healthcare system.

According to the Australian Government Department of Health, nurses represent more than 40% of Australia’s health workforce, making nursing the country’s largest health profession. However, Australia is projected to face a shortage of around 79,000 nurses by 2035 without workforce reforms.

Four Priorities for the Future of Nursing

The National Nursing Workforce Strategy focuses on four key priorities:

1. Enhancing Workforce Planning, Education and Regulation

The strategy aims to improve workforce planning, education and regulatory systems while supporting nurse mobility and greater career flexibility.

2. Enabling Nursing Innovation

Australia plans to encourage innovation within nursing, including the use of emerging technologies and nurse-led models of care.

3. Elevating the Nursing Profession

The strategy places greater emphasis on nursing leadership, diversity, inclusion and culturally safe workplaces, supporting nurses to develop and progress throughout their careers.

4. Delivering a Sustainable Nursing Workforce

A sustainable workforce will be supported through measures including transition-to-practice opportunities and the development of national nursing skills and capabilities.

What Does This Mean for Nurses Looking at Australia?

The strategy comes at a time when Australia is planning for significant future demand for nursing professionals. Its focus on workforce sustainability, career flexibility, education, mobility and recruitment highlights the importance of building a nursing workforce capable of meeting the country’s future healthcare needs.

For internationally qualified nurses, Australia continues to be an important destination to explore as part of a global nursing career. However, opportunities should always be considered alongside the applicable registration, qualification, English-language and professional requirements.

At 360Medicare, we support healthcare professionals who are exploring international career opportunities with guidance throughout their Australia nursing pathway, including registration support and career guidance.

A Growing Need. A Global Opportunity.

Australia’s National Nursing Workforce Strategy signals a clear focus on strengthening nursing for the years ahead. For nurses planning an international career, understanding these workforce developments can help them make informed decisions about their future.

Your Australian nursing journey could start with the right preparation today.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing National Nursing Workforce Strategy, updated 5 August 2026.