2019-2020 Annual Report Table of Contents

Chair’s Report 5 CEO’s Report 6 Board Members 8 Our Vision Organisation Structure 10 Working to ensure optimal health workforce to Health Workforce and Service Planning 12 enhance the health of communities. Health Workforce Needs Assessment 13 Our Purpose Overview of Key Workforce Issues 14 Conference Papers and Presentations 15 Creating sustainable health workforce solutions that meet the needs of remote, rural and Access 16 regional and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruiting Health Professionals 17 communities. A Calling to Cooktown 18 Our Values Workforce Programs 19 Integrity Quality 20 We behave in an ethical and professional manner Health Workforce Scholarship Program 21 at all times showing respect and empathy. Professional Development (PD) Workshops 23 Commitment Sustainability 25 We enhance health services in remote and rural GROW Rural 26 Queensland communities. John Flynn Placement Program 27 Equity Joint Rural Health Club Weekend 28 We provide equal access to services based on prioritised need. Conference Bursaries and Sponsorship 29 QRMFN & RDAQ Conference Family Program 31 Acknowledgements Partnerships and Collaboration 32 Health Workforce Queensland acknowledges the RWAN and Consortium 33 traditional custodians of the land and sea where we live and work and pay our respects to Elders Workforce Projects 34 past, present and future. External Events Attended 35 Event Management Support 36 Financial Statements 37 Health Workforce Queensland would like to Statement of Profit or Loss 38 acknowledge the Australian Government Statement of Financial Position 39 Department of Health for their continued funding of our workforce programs for the 2019-2020 Independent Auditor’s Report 40 financial year. Auditor’s Independence Declaration 43 Front Cover Photo The front cover photo taken by Sarah MacKenzie from Southern Queensland Rural Health in Dingo, Central Queensland. Chair’s Report

During this financial year, we have the teams to continue to serve On behalf of the Board, I am had some significant changes our remote and rural communities pleased to advise that Health to the Board. At the AGM held in a very uncertain environment. Workforce Queensland has on 29 November 2019, we saw Additionally, many steps were taken ended the 2019-2020 financial the changing of the guard with to ensure the health, safety and year in a solid financial position. two long standing members welfare of all of the Agency’s staff. The Agency has positioned retiring. I wish to thank Dr Alan itself to deliver even more in the McMahon (Director from 8 Dec The Agency successfully negotiated 2020-2021 financial year as we 2000 to 29 Nov 2019) and Mr Terry the renewal of its three major expand and develop our services Fleischfresser (Director from 17 contracts being the Rural Health and continue to innovate and Feb 2007 to 29 Nov 2019) for their Workforce Support Activity along respond to remote and rural outstanding contributions during with the Lead Agency role for community needs. their tenure and welcome newly the national Rural Workforce appointed Directors Dr Ross Agencies Network (RWAN) On behalf of the Board, I would Maxwell and Mrs Jane Williams consortium contracts for the John like to congratulate Chris Mitchell to the Board. We appreciate the Flynn Placement Program and on his role as the RWAN Chair. His insights and expertise they both the Health Workforce Scholarship appointment to this role is truly an bring in relation to remote and Program. The RWAN Consortium endorsement of his dedication rural practice. successfully tendered for the More and commitment to improved Doctors for Rural Australia Support health services for remote and Package (MDRAP) and the Agency rural communities over the The year has certainly been one commenced the Lead Agency role last few decades. The Board that has been both rewarding, for this national contract from late welcomes the appointment and yet deeply challenging for June 2020. of Zena Martin to the newly our remote and rural communities, created position of Deputy Chief Health Workforce Queensland (the These developments are Executive Officer. Agency) as an organisation and recognition by the Australian its staff. Following on from drought Government Department of I wish to commend the excellent and summer fires, we were thrown Health of the importance of the working relationships that have into the unknown with the COVID-19 role Rural Workforce Agencies been developed with numerous global pandemic. Despite obvious play in the planning, support and partner agencies, especially challenges, I am pleased to report development of the remote and Australian Government and State that our Chief Executive Officer, rural workforce. It was pleasing to Government Health officials, and Chris Mitchell and the Leadership see Health Workforce Queensland the other members of the RWAN. Team were highly proactive in acknowledged in the Lead Agency implementing measures that ensured role in the MDRAP Support Package I thank my colleagues on business functions and services were as well as a key stakeholder in the Board for their ongoing seamlessly adapted and enabled the Queensland remote and rural commitment to Health Workforce health sector. Queensland and the communities we serve. In this period, we said farewell to Emeritus Professor Paul Worley, the I acknowledge Chris Mitchell, inaugural National Rural Health CEO and the Leadership Team for Commissioner, and welcomed their continued leadership and Associate Professor Ruth Stewart. management of the Agency and We congratulate Associate Professor congratulate them on another Stewart on her appointment into positive year. Lastly but most the role and are enthusiastic importantly, I would like to thank about the future of her role, and the passionate staff members of optimistic for Queensland as Health Workforce Queensland we look to put into action the who, year on year, work hard reported recommendations of the for the communities and health Commissioner which will enhance professionals of remote and rural and deliver better health outcomes Queensland. for rural and remote communities. Emeritus Professor Robert Stable – Board Chair

Photo taken by Roslyn Budd

4 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 5 CEO’s Report

A Country of Extremes Stakeholder Engagement Agency Update Future Focused

In the 2019-20 financial year we witnessed The Health Workforce Stakeholder Group (HWSG) Over the last 12 months the Agency has continued I am delighted to announce that in the 2019-20 many extraordinary events as we experienced continues to expand its membership and we to grow and develop new capabilities. Health financial year we renewed contracts with the Australian extreme weather events including the long- welcome the inclusion of the Office of Rural Workforce Queensland functions as the Lead Government Department of Health, and we are term drought, the floods in North Queensland and Remote Health (ORRH), and the Australian Agency for a number of national consortium excited to continue to deliver the following programs: submerging over 25,000 square metres of Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA). contracts for the Rural Workforce Agency country, devastating homes, crops, wildlife and Network (RWAN). This year the RWAN Consortium • Rural Health Workforce Support Activity, cattle. Then followed the worst known The HWSG is an important group that provides successfully tendered for the MDRAP Support • Health Workforce Scholarship Program, start to the bushfire season that Queensland advice and insights that challenge and validate Package which is aimed at supporting non- • John Flynn Placement Program, and has ever witnessed with scores of bushfires the health professions and locations that are VR doctors to gain valuable general practice • More Doctors for Rural Australia Support Package. raging across the State. most in need in remote and rural Queensland. experience prior to joining a fellowship pathway. Across the Agency, we’ve continued to innovate and The HWSG provides important input to the During the year I was asked to take on the develop our services which is even more evident in The emergence of COVID-19 in January led to Agency’s annual Health Workforce Needs National Chair role for RWAN following the the COVID-19 pandemic. An example of this is the major challenges to our health systems, to the Assessment which provides a detailed narrative resignation of Megan Cahill, Independent Chair. development of Go Rural ‘Virtually’, an online virtual way we access care and to the way we work and about the current and emerging workforce issues Sarah Venn, Health Workforce and Service rural promotion event for students, which connects socialise. The almost daily announcements of the for each health discipline in Queensland. Planning Manager, provides the Secretariat students with health professionals and general spread of COVID-19 along with significant travel support to RWAN and the RWAN Chair. practice in a remote or rural location. Additionally, the limitations and border closures has changed all of In October 2019, Queensland celebrated as number of Zoom and Microsoft Teams meetings have our lives, in one way or another. we welcomed our first ever Chief Aboriginal In response to the increased number and intensified, and the level of active engagement and and Torres Strait Islander Health Officer. complexity of national consortium contracts collaboration internally and externally has increased. The consequences of these events continue to We congratulate Haylene Grogan on this and the growth of the business activities, we This is an enormous testimony to the hard work and impact remote and rural communities, particularly, appointment as she leads the newly created have made several changes to our organisation determination of each of our teams as we continue in terms of mental health and access to primary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health structure. I am pleased to announce that Zena to serve remote and rural Queensland communities. and acute health services. We continue to live in Division. This Division will drive efforts to Martin has been appointed to the new position improve health equity and outcomes for First an uncertain situation and uncertainty about the of Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Zena previously The 2019-2020 Annual Report highlights the likelihood of outbreaks of COVID-19. In this situation Nation Queenslanders. held the position of Service Delivery Manager, and we will maintain our efforts in developing and we welcome the appointment of Andy van der Agency’s growth and development while supporting a robust health workforce for remote In November 2019, we partnered with Western Rijt, who will now be undertaking this role. Earlier strengthening our vision and purpose in working and rural communities. Queensland PHN to facilitate the North and in the year, Andrew Hayward was appointed to with Queensland communities, the activities Central West Health Forum to focus on building a new position of Engagement and Development support access, quality and sustainability to Our admiration and thanks go out to all primary care teams, practice partnerships and Manager following a number of years leading provide an optimal workforce. of the medical, nursing, allied health and innovation in Western Queensland. We were the Future Workforce Team. Meredith Connor was honoured to have Professor Paul Worley, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health appointed to the newly created Future Workforce National Rural Health Commissioner, in Team Leader role. workforce in remote and rural Queensland. attendance at the forum. It was a valuable Thank You! On behalf of the opportunity to showcase the great collaborations There has been an increase in the number and Agency, I thank you taking place at a local level and to share coverage of health workforce projects which experiences and key learnings. have been conducted in collaboration with rural I wish to thank each Board member for their continued for your continued Primary Health Networks (PHNs). These projects, commitment throughout the 2019-20 financial commitment to The Minister for Health and Minister for facilitation of health workforce stakeholder groups year. Collectively, I thank the Board for their overall the health and Ambulance Services, the Honourable Steven and workforce surveys have occurred as we seek guidance and governance of Health Workforce wellbeing of Miles announced the establishment of the Office enhanced ways to plan improved health services Queensland. Additionally, I’d like to thank the Health Queensland’s for Rural and Remote Health in November 2019. and access to health workforce in locations that Workforce Queensland staff, and the Management remote and The office has been established by the previous need it the most. and Leadership Teams who are the fundamental rural residents. Chief Executive Officer of the North West Hospital drivers of achieving the accomplishments published and Health Service, Lisa Davies-Jones. The I am pleased to announce that Meredith Sullivan in the 2019-2020 Annual Report. Health Workforce engagement and collaboration between the has joined the Health Workforce and Service Queensland remains committed to our vision and Office of Rural and Remote Health and Health Planning Team as Team Leader to support the purpose, as we prepare for 2020-21, we will continue Workforce Queensland continues to strengthen, increased demands on the Health Workforce to work with you to ensure an optimal health workforce as both Agencies look to increase access for and Service Planning Team. Health Workforce exists to enhance the health of Queensland remote remote and rural communities in Queensland. Queensland is better placed with these and rural communities. appointments and organisational changes. Chris Mitchell – Chief Executive Officer

6 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 7 Board Members

We would like to thank our 2019-2020 Health Workforce Queensland Board for their valuable contributions to the Agency.

We especially acknowledge Dr Alan McMahon and Mr Terry Fleischfresser for their dedicated service as directors during their extensive time on the Board.

Prof Robert Stable AM Dr John Lamb Ms Naomi Blake Dr Michael Belonogoff Dr Natasha Coventry Dr Ross Hetherington

Board Chair Chair of Governance Chair of Risk Management Appointed 28.11.15 Appointed 05.11.16 Appointed 01.10.00 Appointed 21.07.12 Committee Committee Appointed 21.07.07 Appointed 05.08.14

Dr Ross Maxwell Mrs Stella Taylor-Johnson Mrs Jane Williams Mr Terry Fleischfresser Dr Alan McMahon

Appointed 29.11.19 Appointed 14.11.09 Appointed 29.11.19 Appointed 17.02.07 – Appointed 18.10.06 – Retired 29.11.19 Retired 29.11.19

8 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 9 Chris Mitchell Chief Executive Organisation Structure Officer

Nicole O’Donohue Executive Assistant

Sarah Venn Andrew Hayward Daniel Learoyd Zena Martin Jo Symons Health Workforce & Engagement & Corporate Service Delivery Manager Strategy Manager Service Planning Manager Development Manager Services Manager

Sandra Efiza Michelle Sodziak Sam Menteith Kin Chen Meredith Connor Bukumirovic Aimee Najdovski Meredith Sullivan Marketing & Vanniasinghe Executive Business Process Future Workforce Health Workforce Training & Events Assistant HW&SP Team Leader Communications IT Manager Team Leader Solutions Analyst Team Leader to Leadership Officer Team Leader Team

Louise Bambury Naomi Wallace Luanne Evelyn Eteuati Kristiane Denman David Wellman Cameron Arnott Regional Regional Coordinator, Labuschagne Future Workforce IT System Coordinator, Central Queenland, Training & Events Data & Research Business Support Coordinator Western Wide Bay, Sunshine Administrator & Coordinator Officer Coordinator Queensland Coast Developer

Caro Finlay Amrit Mawla’i Joanne Terry Edna Reid Regional Barbara Lawless Dean Selby Health Workforce Simone Johnston Future Workforce Coordinator, Training & Events Administration Solutions HW&SP Officer Coordinator Northern Coordinator IT Analyst Officer / Support Officer Queensland Reception

Diana Holt Tessa Niumata Regional Renee Masters Danielle Hillyard Ana Donald Future Hediyeh Mossavt Melissa Brimelow Coordinator, Training & Events Workforce Health Workforce IT System Management Darling Downs & HW&SP Support Project Officer Coordinator Support Officer Accountant Officer West Moreton Officer

Melissa Cutter Training & Events Nishita Mehta Support Officer Accounts Officer

Carita Holden Education Support Officer

10 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 11 Health Workforce Needs Assessment

As part of our continued funding agreement The HWNA continues to strengthen the baseline in 2019/2020 with the Australian Government understanding of the primary health care workforce Department of Health, Health Workforce needs of populations and communities in Modified Queensland has undertaken an annual Monash Model (MMM) 2-7 areas in Queensland. It integrates demographic, population health and state-wide workforce needs assessment for workforce data alongside structured consultations and remote and rural Queensland, leveraging considered populations with special needs and those off the comprehensive health and service at risk of poorer health outcomes. needs assessments recently undertaken at regional levels through the Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and others.

With a focus on the primary health care landscape, the Health Workforce Needs Assessment (HWNA) continues to identify high priority locations, professions, health services and workforce requirements to develop and support evidence based and effective models of service delivery in remote and rural Queensland, informing outcomes to the Department of Health for program planning and policy development.

The HWNA also contributes to the development and implementation of an evidence-based Activity Work Plan (AWP), to address national and specific priorities relating to localised health workforce needs and service gaps. Information used to inform the HWNA was sourced from available data sources and from consultations with health professionals and key stakeholders. As part of the process, a formal jurisdictional Health Workforce Stakeholder Group (HWSG) provides strategic advice and expertise to inform planning, analysis and strategy development as well as provide validation of findings.

Issues identified have been categorised into three priority areas:

Access Quality Sustainability Improving access and Building health workforce Growing the sustainability continuity of access to capability of the health workforce Health Workforce essential primary health care and Service Planning

12 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 13 Overview of Key Workforce Issues Conference Papers and Presentations

Access Quality Regional, Rural and Remote General Practice Major Themes Key Workforce Issue Major Themes Key Workforce Issue Opportunities in Supporting Your Workforce

• Shortage of GP, nursing, allied • Skill mix of workforce not aligned to • Presentation Access to local health and Aboriginal and Torres local needs Strait Islander Health Practitioner • Australian Association of Practice Management National Conference • Difficulty accessing quality health workforce workforce in remote, rural and professional development and • Brisbane, QLD – October 2019 regional Queensland. clinical upskilling Adequately • High representation of early career Maldistribution of • Inequitable distribution of health graduates in allied health GP Workforce workforce Skilled Workforce • Challenges to training and developing a local workforce • Lack of mentoring and leadership • Lack of affordable and appropriate opportunities transport to access health services Remoteness/ • Barriers to expanding or utilising full Transition to Professional Practice • Cost of travel for health professionals scope of practise Distance to Travel for rural outreach/hub and spoke arrangements • Allied Health Graduation Presentation • Southern Cross University • Workforce not equipped to deliver • Gold Coast, QLD – October 2019 Lack of Appropriate • Lack of ICT infrastructure Culturally culturally appropriate health care • Physical infrastructure – staff • Low representation of Aboriginal Infrastructure accommodation, clinical space Appropriate Care & Torres Strait Islander people delivering health care

• Limited/lack of services available Barriers to after hours Access to • Cost of services Accessing Health Comprehensive • Care available is episodic rather • Culturally appropriate health services than comprehensive, continuous Supporting General Practice Care • Service awareness/service Primary Health and person-centered care understanding Care Services and Health Workforce Initiatives • Central Queensland, Wide Bay & Sunshine Coast PHN event • Gympie, QLD – February 2020 Sustainability

Major Themes Key Workforce Issue

Growing the Health Workforce Challenges in Gladstone • Limited pipeline of locally trained workforce Workforce Pipeline • Central Queensland, Wide Bay & Sunshine Coast PHN event Service Provider • Gladstone, QLD – February 2020 • Inefficient and fragmented care due to high visiting/outreach models Collaboration

• Vulnerable and non-viable workforce models including: – Challenges to the viability of private health services in remote and rural areas including cost of living, distances to travel; income of clients, access to workforce and economies of scale. Achieving Sustainable Workforce Models – Current fee for service general practice models in remote and rural areas does not support sustainability; and Building a Sustainable Allied Health Workforce – Current models do not support ‘Easy Entrance, Gracious Exit’ of workforce creating financial, administrative and work/life balance burdens. for the Mackay Region and VET Workforce Optimisation Information Sessions • Ongoing challenges for remote and rural communities attracting and recruiting health workforce Attracting Health Workforce • Mackay, QLD – March 2020 • Decline in interest in rural health, general practice and primary care as career choices • Proserpine, QLD – March 2020 • Bowen, QLD – March 2020 • High turnover of health professionals in rural and remote Retaining Health Workforce • Lack of workforce retention due to: Lack of access to continuing professional development (CPD), professional isolation, burnout due to lack of relief, poor housing and accommodation, high cost of living, spouse/family and lifestyle considerations.

14 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 15 Recruiting Health Professionals Key Themes The Health Workforce Solutions team provide recruitment services to source highly skilled medical, nursing and allied health professionals to remote and rural Queensland.

Over 2019-2020, we have worked with a variety of However, our team were successful in providing ongoing general practices and primary health care service support to several practices and health professionals providers throughout remote and rural Queensland during this time. Between March and June 2020, the and assisted them to source health professionals for Health Workforce Solutions team made 1,021 calls to their organisations. Since early 2020 the COVID-19 practices to understand the impacts of COVID-19 and pandemic has had an impact on some of our offer support with recruitment and incentives to help recruitment activities, mostly due to border closures. address the health workforce needs of the community.

1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020

Total number of general practitioners Total number of health professionals practicing in remote and rural Queensland 37 recruited to remote and rural Queensland 2520 (MMM2 – MMM7 Queensland, and active on 30 November 2019)

Grants provided to health professionals Allied health professionals recruited 3 57 as incentive and support packages

3 Nursing professionals recruited 963 Locum days provided

31 General practitioners recruited 23 Locum general practitioners placed

4 out of 37 health professionals were recruited Locum days provided to Aboriginal 4/37 to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Medical Services Services / Aboriginal Medical Services 139

Distribution of Recruited Health Professionals

14 Out of the 37 recruited health 12 professionals, three medical professionals were recruited 10 to Aboriginal Community 8 Controlled Health Services in MMM-1 and MMM-4 locations. 6 There has also been an Allied 4 Health professional recruited to MMM-2 Aboriginal Health 2 Service and also providing 0 outreach services. MMM 1 MMM 2 MMM 3 MMM 4 MMM 5 MMM 6 MMM 7

Access Allied Health Nursing General Practitioners

Photo taken by Alex Russell 16 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 16 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 17 A Calling to Cooktown Workforce Programs

In April, Caro Finlay, Regional Coordinator information, new environment and paper General Practice Rural for Northern Queensland received some work including VISA requirements. But my Rural Locum Relief Program positive feedback from a General Practitioner transition to Cooktown was stress free. Incentive Program who recently filled an available position in Cooktown. Dr Thompson Gana was Whenever I asked questions for direction approached to provide further feedback or next steps, I get a prompt response and The Rural Locum Relief Program (RLRP) allows General Practitioner Rural Incentive Program about his experience. clarity of response. Overall, you have a very doctors who are permanent residents or Flexible Payment System (GPRIP FPS) knowledgeable and proactive team and Australian citizens to access a temporary updated to Workforce Incentive Program “What was it about the role in Cooktown that I specifically commend the efforts of your Medicare provider number to work in remote (WIP) – Doctor Stream Flexible Payment System (FPS) as from 1 January 2020. appealed to you?” Regional Coordinator, Northern Queensland and rural areas while they are working towards GP Fellowship. This program has ceased and is (Caro Finlay) with whom I have interacted no longer open to new applicants. However, The WIP is a component of the Stronger Rural There was a General Practitioner (GP) job with most of the time transitioning to we are continuing to support doctors who are Health Strategy 2018-19 Budget measure. opening in Cooktown which was advertised by Cooktown. She has been excellent, and she already on the program by providing case The aim of the Stronger Rural Health Strategy both Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) is very diplomatic. management and funding support to assist is to build a sustainable, high quality health and Health Workforce Queensland. The exciting them to progress to Fellowship. workforce that is appropriately qualified, part about this job, was that it was accredited for distributed across the country according a General Practice vocational training program to community need and engaged in that will lead to an award of the Fellowship of 296 Active candidates managed multidisciplinary and team-based models Royal Australian College of General Practitioners on the RLRP of care. The WIP aims to support careers in (RACGP) on completion of the mandatory rural medicine and to encourage & retain requirements. RVTS is the training provider for this Medical practitioners passed medical practitioners to practise in regional, vocational training. 33 Fellowship exams and achieved rural and remote communities through the vocational registration provision of financial incentives. The additional appealing factor of the GP registrar role is the compulsory requirement to Applications received for GPRIP complete the vocational training in one location More Doctors for Rural Flexible Payment Scheme thus eliminating the burden of relocating to 108 (1 July 2019 - 30 June 2020) another town or practice as is always the case Australia Program for other GP registrars training with other training providers. Lastly, I wanted a small, remote and The More Doctors for Rural Australia Program coastal town to undertake my GP training and (MDRAP) is a new 3GA program that enables 5-Year Overseas Trained Cooktown was the best fit for me. doctors who are non-vocationally registered Doctor Scheme to work in rural regions and access Medicare. “Now that you are settled into your new role, The Program is part of the Stronger Rural Health what has been the most rewarding Strategy and commenced on 29 April 2019: The 5-Year Overseas Trained Doctor (OTD) part of the role?” Scheme allows a reduction in the 10 Year Moratorium for Overseas Trained Doctors; Active candidates on the encouraging them to work in remote or It’s a constellation of factors that have made MDRAP during the 2019/2020 my role so far as a GP Registrar exciting and 74 financial year difficult-to-recruit locations. worthwhile. More specifically, it is the continued By opting to work in an eligible location, support I get from Health Workforce Queensland, New members added to an Overseas Trained Doctor can reduce RVTS and the Cooktown GP clinic that is really 47 the program during the the 10 Year Moratorium to 5 years. rewarding. 2019/2020 financial year

“What was it about the Health Workforce The MDRAP Support Package commenced Active candidates on the Solutions team that made the placement in June 2020 and will enhance the MDRAP 29 5-Year OTD Scheme process so easy?” by providing funding to support the cost of supervision and education for participating doctors. Doctors within the program will be Number of 5-Year OTD Scheme I am an International Medical Graduate (IMG) candidates that achieved Image Source: Supplied provided with tailored learning and supervision and it can be quite daunting dealing with new 4 Vocational Registration to meet their needs and the needs of their region.

18 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 19 Health Workforce Scholarship Program

The Health Workforce Scholarship Program employed health professionals. The program provides (HWSP) is an initiative of the Australian funding support to qualified rural health professionals Government Department of Health’s, Health in the field of medicine, nursing or allied health. Workforce Program.

The objective of the HWSP is to improve access Total value of scholarships to the health care services needed in rural and and bursaries provided to remote remote areas by supporting an increase in skills, $2,238,217 and rural health professionals capacity and/or scope of practice of privately

Locations Scholarships

8 Applications 13 MMM 3

15 MMM 4 Scholarship applications MMM 5 175 received by June 2020 MMM 6 24 MMM 7 11 Scholarship applications assessed as eligible by 82 June 2020

Locations Bursaries

58 Applications 98 125 MMM 3 MMM 4

Bursary applications MMM 5 1214 received by June 2020 363 MMM 6 222 MMM 7 Bursary applications assessed as eligible by 941 June 2020 Quality

Photo taken by Grace Borchet 20 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 21 Health Workforce Scholarship Professional Development (PD) Program Continued Workshops

Health Professions that received a Scholarship or Bursary To ensure rural health professionals can keep The provision of these PD Workshops allows their skills up to date and expand their scope rural communities to access highly skilled of practice, Health Workforce Queensland health professionals close to home. provides a range of hands-on and interactive Aboriginal and Torres 12 Professional Development (PD) Workshops We have felt the impacts of the COVID-19 Strait Islander Health throughout the year, tailored specifically for pandemic this year as we had to cancel Dentistry 17 rural health professionals. three planned workshops at the start of 2020. Due to the nature of our hands-on interactive Diabetes Education 3 We pride ourselves on engaging leading health workshops, and after consultation with our professionals, who have an understanding of facilitators, it was decided that we would not the challenges in practicing in remote and be able to deliver our workshops to the usual 2 34 Dietetics rural locations, as our workshop facilitators. high standards if we chose to do them virtually. Our presenters provide high caliber practical Therefore, Health Workforce Queensland Exercise Physiology 2 40 workshops with the most up-to-date clinical made the decision to suspend all professional knowledge and use the latest simulation development workshops until we were able to General Practitioner 11 258 training technologies. safely conduct them in a face-to-face setting.

Medical Imaging 1 2

Nursing and Midwifery 21 48 4 51 97% Occupational Therapy 4 96

Optometry 3 1 Number of PD Total number of Delegates satisfaction workshops provided workshop delegates rating in relation to learning Pharmacy 10 20 objectives being met

Physiotherapy 8 156

Podiatry 2 26

Psychology & Other 5 47 Mental Health Professions Topic Location Date

Social Work 10 Anaesthetic and Emergency Response Sunshine Coast July 2019 Speech Pathology 66

Emergency Trauma Workshop Townsville August 2019 Other 2 30

0 25 50 100 150 200 250 300 Rural Emergency Medicine Workshop Cairns September 2019

Scholarship Bursaries Rural Emergency Medicine Workshop Brisbane February 2020

22 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 23 Professional Development (PD) Fellowship Support Workshops Continued

Breakdown of MMM Classification of Workshop Attendees 13% 8%

MMM 1 MMM 2 MMM 3 10% 17% MMM 4 MMM 5 MMM 6 MMM 7 4%

31% 17%

Testimonials

“This course is “Health Workforce Queensland “This workshop gave very relevant to Workshops are always very well me an opportunity rural & remote organised and presented with to practice a skill medical practice clear take home messages, that is not frequently and I thoroughly up to date info and practical, taught and could be recommend it.” relevant education.” lifesaving.”

Rural Emergency Rural Emergency Anaesthetic and Medicine Workshop, Medicine Workshop, Emergency Response, 2020 Attendee 2020 Attendee 2019 Attendee

Fellowship Support

Health Workforce Queensland provides case In October 2019 we organised a mock OSCE management and funding for Australian and workshop through an external provider, which overseas trained doctors who are current was well attended and tailored for Doctors workforce program members, working towards supported by Health Workforce Queensland. Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and/or the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 16 16 of our doctors attended (RACGP). the workshop.

As part of this support Health Workforce Queensland provides RLRP doctors with access 14 out of 16 passed OSCE to fully funded Objective Structured Clinical 14/16 and achieved Fellowship. Exam (OSCE) preparation courses. Sustainability

24 Photo taken by Alex Russell 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 25 GROW Rural GROW Rural John Flynn Placement Program

Evaluation of the 2017-2019 program indicated that Medical students’ early exposure to rural clinical distancing restrictions. As public health concerns 26 - 28 July 2019 | Central Queensland GROW Rural had been a rewarding experience; it practice and the unique lifestyle that comes began to rise, the Rural Workforce Agency encouraged students to undertake rural placements with it, is a key influence in them undertaking a Consortium exercised its duty of care to the JFPP during their degree; had a positive impact on their rural rural medical career in the future. The John Flynn Scholars, Mentors, Hosts, Community Contacts by GROW Rural is a three-year immersion program practice intentions; and, students were extremely happy Placement Program (JFPP) is a national program suspending placements from March until the end which provides up to 30 medical, nursing, midwifery with the level of immersion into the rural lifestyle. Taken designed to attract the future medical workforce of June 2020. and allied health students the annual opportunity to overall, the results indicated the students believed that to consider a rural career. experience clinical practice and the unique lifestyle the GROW Rural program had been a rewarding and A JFPP COVID-19 Impact Survey encouraged of remote and rural Queensland communities. worthwhile experience. Each year the JFPP manages placements for up Scholars to identify potential issues regarding Recognising the importance of promoting to 1200 medical students from 21 participating their capacity to complete JFPP placement They were happy with how the program had interprofessional collaborative practice, GROW universities to experience the one of a kind rural requirements, and to determine the effect incorporated student feedback over the three years Rural was specifically designed to be inclusive of clinical practice and rural lifestyle throughout variations to university rotation and assessment and believed the students had received excellent rural all disciplines and available to both domestic and Australia. requirements would have on undertaking lifestyle and cultural awareness experiences. Further, they international students. placements. Survey findings informed believed the program had had a positive impact on their Successful students are matched with a doctor recommendations made to the Department of The inaugural 2017-2019 GROW Rural cohort saw future rural career intentions. in a rural location. Whilst undertaking their tertiary Health regarding placement management to the same group of undergraduate health students studies, students spend two weeks each year over ensure Scholars could complete the Program from multiple Queensland universities visit the Central “Our incredible time in Central Queensland with three or four years working alongside a rural doctor, without penalty. Queensland communities of Woorabinda, Baralaba, GROW Rural has confirmed my passion for rural experiencing the diversity of rural practice and Moura, Theodore and Biloela annually over the course health and has connected me to a group of like- expanding their hands-on skills. A national communications strategy was of three years. minded individuals who I hope to one day call implemented to inform and support Scholars, colleagues.” During their rural placement, most students Mentors, Host and Community Contacts through The program development of each three-day reside with a Community Host or are provided a regular placement and application updates via annual event was spear-headed by the GROW Rural The GROW Rural program will expand its reach into Community Contact that gives them an exclusive the JFPP website, social media and emails. Planning Committee which drew upon the collective South West Queensland in partnership with Southern insight into the social and cultural life of remote or expertise and knowledge of local communities, health Queensland Rural Health and the RDAQ Foundation in rural Australia. The key aspect of the JFPP, is that The emergence of COVID-19 has provided the professionals and students in collaboration with the October 2020. The second Central Queensland cohort students return to the same remote or rural location JFPP with the opportunity to adapt the delivery Future Workforce and Training and Events teams. will commence in July 2021. Up to 50 new students will each year; creating lasting connections with of the Program from an interstate to an intrastate Event programs combined scenario-based clinical be selected across the two programs with the vision to community and the land. model. This has the potential to foster a ‘grow skill sessions, community health checks, Teddy Bear eventually expand the GROW Rural program into each your own’ workforce approach for Mentors and Hospitals with community social activities, cultural Queensland PHN region. The early part of 2020 was defined by significant Scholars in each jurisdiction with a renewed focus awareness workshops and the much-loved billeting challenges to the delivery of the JFPP as a result on increasing interest in and developing with local families. of COVID-19 affected domestic travel and social a sustainable local health workforce.

"The three year GROW Rural program is set apart from any other rural placement. It is a full immersion into the heart and soul of rural and Indigenous communities and the health services National Queensland present in each. My connections with patients will forever be strengthened because of this Scholars on the Program Queensland-based magnificent experience." 693 at 30 June 2020 209 Scholars on the program

The 2017-2019 Central Queensland cohort was the first Total number of active Number of Mentors in cohort of GROW Rural students to graduate from the 719 Mentors on the Program 180 Queensland program, an achievement that was celebrated by a graduation dinner with participating GROW Rural Photo taken by Roslyn Budd communities. 992 Total number of Scholars Number of Hosts in on the Program 139 Queensland

Placement weeks 427 Number of Community completed 142 Future Workforce COVID-19 Impacts Contacts in Queensland The uncertain COVID-19 environment affected COVID-19 health concerns affected the delivery of several Future Workforce rural immersion the intake of 300 new Scholars resulting in the Number of placements activities in 2020 with the cancellation of Go Rural in May, and the postponement of GROW Rural postponement of the 2020 JFPP application 68 in Queensland in Central Queensland. We look forward to commencing these and other activities in 2021. round from April until July 2020.

26 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 27 Joint Rural Health Club Weekend Conference Bursaries and Sponsorship

Events sponsored included the AMAQ Women in Medicine Breakfast (Brisbane); Far North Conference Bursaries Queensland Lady Doctors Conference (Mission Beach); RDAQ Conference Student Networking Event (Cairns); and the AMSA Rural Health Summit The Future Workforce Conference Bursary (Cairns). Sponsorship covered health student Program, enabled medical, nursing, attendance and trade booths to promote health midwifery and allied health students, career opportunities through Health Workforce Day two started with breakfast at Gallo Dairyland interns and junior doctors to connect and Queensland. 11 - 13 October 2019 | Atherton Tablelands before a half day disaster scenario based on the engage with the rural health sector through 1987 Gillies Highway school bus crash. the provision of bursaries to attend key To promote rural health careers, we sponsored health conferences. Bursary recipients student bodies, associations and activities. We The Joint Rural Health Club Weekend (JRHCW) is an Students rotated through skills sessions including first participated in professional development additionally attended career planning workshops annual opportunity for students from the four Queensland responder, emergency department and rehabilitation activities to improve their skills, knowledge and rural orientations at the four University Rural Rural Health Clubs to network with likeminded peers, meet to experience the full scope of the patient journey and understanding, as well as peer-to- Health Clubs based in Queensland; UQ’s Rural health professionals in their relevant field, experience the continuum. The afternoon was highlighted by Dr peer, health professional and industry Rotation Orientation program; and the JCU MBBS unique rural lifestyle and broaden their clinical knowledge Louis Peachey’s outstanding facilitation of a cultural engagement. Bursary payments covered graduation week and ceremony. Additionally, through guided skill sessions. awareness session, followed by a trip to Ravenshoe to conference registration, flights and Future Workforce also supported the QE11 Intern participate in the Torimba Festival. Day three, the final accommodation. Facility Education Program. A total of 43 medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health day was dedicated to allied health skill sessions and a students attended the event, which took place on the much-appreciated swim at Millaa Millaa Falls. From the 671 applications received, 64 health The exposure gained from attending conferences Atherton Tablelands from 11-13 October 2019. Many of students/interns/junior doctors, including 8 as reported by the attendees, improved Evaluations completed by the participating students the students had a prior connection with Health Workforce Indigenous students/interns/junior doctors, participant knowledge, expanded professional indicated that the quality of the JRHCW program, Queensland through their participation in our other Future were awarded bursaries. networks and increased opportunities for being exposed to a rural community and lifestyle, Workforce activities Go Rural and GROW Rural. placements and long-term employment. and meeting passionate health professionals, Over the past 3 years we have been very fortunate to positively influenced student interest and intentions have had the support of the RDAQ Foundation as a to practice in a rural location. Participants also Platinum Sponsor for the JRHCW. We are very appreciative indicated that the program overall enhanced their and thrilled that the RDAQ Foundation will continue to clinical skills and social understanding of rural lifestyle. support Future Workforce activities in 2020 and beyond. Number of Conference Bursaries Provided to Health Students The JRHCW students enjoyed a comprehensive program “I started this weekend knowing no one and having of activities – day one commenced with a visit to no clue what rural Queensland would be like. Three the Tjapukai Cultural Park in Cairns and closed with a days later I came away with a brand-new family and Networking Dinner attended by local health professionals, am genuinely considering rural healthcare practice sponsors and stakeholders at the Tinaroo Lake Resort. as a future career.” 24 9 10 Medical Nursing, Midwifery Allied Health

20 1 Junior Doctor Intern

Photo taken by Roslyn Budd

28 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 29 Conference Bursaries and Sponsorship Continued

Bursaries Sponsorship QRMFN and RDAQ Occupational Therapy Australia 28th National Conference and Exhibition AMSA Rural Health Conference Family Program Sydney, NSW – July 2019 Summit - Bronze Cairns, QLD – Three Occupational Therapy students, including September 2019 one Indigenous student, were provided bursaries. With COVID-19 impacting our plans for the Providing them with the ability to connect Queensland Rural Medical Family Network their spouse and family with a local (QRMFN), it provided us the opportunity to community contact to help provide local National Elder Abuse Conference host the AGM virtually, for the first time, on knowledge, tips and tricks on remote and FNQ Lady Doctors’ Thursday 4 June 2020. rural living, or recommend the best spot for Brisbane, QLD – July 2019 Association Conference coffee in town. One student was provided a bursary to cover - Gold At the AGM we launched the exciting registration. Mission Beach, QLD – initiative of the QRMFN Spouse and Family Due to COVID-19, the 2020 RDAQ September 2019 Support Program. The program is designed to Conference Family Program and Backbone assist medical students who are planning on of the Bush Award were cancelled. We look 13th National Allied Health Conference undertaking a medical placement in remote forward to connecting with the Rural Doctors or rural Queensland and taking their spouse families again in June 2021 to connect, Brisbane, QLD – August 2019 AMAQ Women in and families with them on the placement. collaborate and create new friendships. Four bursaries provided, including one Medicine Breakfast - Indigenous student. Sponsored a table of 10 Victoria Park Golf Complex, QLD – October 2019 CRANAplus – Nursing students Hunter Valley, NSW – September 2019 Two bursaries provided, including one Indigenous student. General Practice Student Network () – Platinum Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) – Brisbane, QLD Celebrating 10 years Darwin, NT – September 2019 Two bursaries provided, including one Indigenous student.

Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) - 2 Medical Students, 2 Junior Doctors Rural Health Club Darwin, NT – October 2019 Sponsorship - Gold Four bursaries were provided to two Indigenous , medical students and two Junior Doctors. University of Queensland, and Griffith University

PRINT - Pre-Internship Conference 2019 Darwin, NT – October 2019 10 bursaries provided, including one Indigenous student.

30 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 31 RWAN and Consortium

The Rural Workforce Agency Network • John Flynn Placement Program (RWAN) comprises seven jurisdictional Rural • Health Workforce Scholarships Program Workforce Agencies (RWAs) who provide a • More Doctors for Rural Australia Program national footprint for rural health workforce (MDRAP) Support Package programs and services. RWAN operates as a Consortium, providing a platform for The RWAN also has the responsibility of members to leverage national funding national strategic direction for RWAs as initiatives and seek further service delivery a group. Its key strength is the ability to opportunities in the rural health workforce provide cohesion, enabling programs to be space more broadly. delivered and reported on in a nationally consistent manner while ensuring there The RWAN was formed in 2017 by the RWAs are local responses to local difference and to administer nation-wide remote and rural high-quality program service delivery. health workforce programs, and to provide a structured approach to strategic and In addition to these Consortium contracts, operational opportunities and challenges. each RWA administers the Rural Health The RWAN currently administers five Australian Workforce Support Activity Program Government Department of Health Programs (RHWSA) within their jurisdiction which is a of which Health Workforce Queensland are the direct contract between each RWA and Lead Agency for the following programs: the Department of Health.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Photo taken by Krishna Doshi 32 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 33 Workforce Projects External Events Attended

In early 2020 Health Workforce Queensland, in collaboration with partners, commenced two Throughout the 2019/20 Financial Year landmark rural generalist workforce projects; the Post Fellowship Rural Generalist Support Framework Pilot Project (Medical) and the North West Queensland Inter-agency Allied Health Workforce Strategy. Both projects involve significant collaborations with key stakeholders. International Mental Health IAHA Conference Conference 23 - 25 September 2019 | Darwin, NT 31 July - 2 August 2019 |Gold Coast, Qld AIDA Conference St George Post-Graduate 2 - 4 October 2019 |Darwin, NT Medical Conference RMA Conference 6 - 8 September 2019 | St George, Qld Post Fellowship Rural Generalist North West Queensland Inter-agency 23 - 26 October 2019 | Gold Coast, Qld Support Framework – A Pilot Project Allied Health Workforce Strategy CheckUp Outreach Forum PRINT Conference 12 - 13 September 2019 | Brisbane, Qld 26 - 27 October 2019 | Brisbane, Qld The Australian Government has initiated Allied Health service providers and steps to build the foundations for a commissioners in north west Queensland met GPCE Conference GPCE Melbourne National Rural Generalist Pathway (NRGP). in Mount Isa in November 2019 to discuss the 13 - 15 September 2019 | Brisbane, Qld 15 - 17 November 2019 | Melbourne, Vic In Queensland, funding is being used to challenges and opportunities for workforce undertake development of a Post Fellowship sustainability in the region. A significant CRANAplus Conference QAIHC Awards for Excellence Rural Generalist Support Framework. outcome of this meeting was broad 18 - 20 September 2019 | Hunter Valley, NSW 21 November 2019 | Brisbane, Qld endorsement of a scoping project that would The project is a partnership between Health aim to develop a strategy to enable an inter- Workforce Queensland and Queensland AMSA Rural Health Summit RDAQ 2020 Virtually agency, collaborative, regional approach to 20 - 22 September 2019 | Cairns, Qld 5 - 6 June 2020 | Virtual Health’s Queensland Country Practice. allied health workforce development including Queensland Country Practice have recruitment, retention and capacity building, substantial expertise in the Queensland in health services in north west Queensland. Rural Generalist Pathway and the rural hospital environment, while Health Workforce A scoping project was conducted between Queensland brings knowledge of the primary March and June 2020 with joint funding care context. from Health Workforce Queensland and the Allied Health Professions Office of The aim of the project is to gather Queensland. Extensive consultation with key information that will aid the design of the stakeholders identified challenges, risks and framework. This includes measures required possible solutions to allied health workforce to support rural doctors who have gained sustainability. fellowship across primary and secondary service domains to acquire skills to meet The strategy focused on attraction, the needs of rural and remote communities development and support of the early under the national definition of a Rural career workforce using the Allied Health Rural Generalist as outlined in the Collingrove Generalist Pathway. The model will see the Agreement: development of designated rural generalist training positions in multiple health services. A Rural Generalist (RG) is a medical This project provides direction for the practitioner who is trained to meet the development of an ‘own-grown’ allied health specific current and future health care needs professional workforce model suitable for rural of Australian Rural and Remote Communities, and remote health services. in a sustainable and cost-effective way, by providing both comprehensive general An Interagency Oversight Committee practice and emergency care, and required has been formed with Health Workforce components of other medical specialist Queensland acting as Secretariat to support care in hospital and community settings as the two-year implementation. Progress on Photo taken by Andrew Hayward part of a rural healthcare team. (Collingrove the implementation will be posted on Health Agreement 2018) Workforce Queensland’s website. Winners of the QAIHC Leader of the Year Award – Veronica Williams and Gary White presented with their awards by our CEO Chris Mitchell.

34 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 35 Event Management Support

IUIH Conference WQPHN Forum RDAQ 2020 Virtually

15 - 17 October 2019 22 – 24 November 2019 5 - 6 June 2020 Brisbane – ‘System of care’ Mt Isa – ‘Building primary Virtual care team, practice partnerships and innovation Health Workforce The Institute for Urban in Western Queensland’ Indigenous Health held Queensland continues our their System of Care strong partnership with the Conference, which Health Workforce Rural Doctors Association detailed IUIH's successful Queensland continues of Queensland (RDAQ). approach to Closing the our strong partnership Our Training and Events Gap in Indigenous health. with Western Queensland Team provided event PHN, by providing event management services to The event also celebrated management services to assist with delivering RDAQ IUIH’s 10 years of service assist with their WQPHN 2020 Virtually, as well as to community. Health Forum hosted in Mt Isa the Agency being the Workforce Queensland in 2019. Conference Partner. provided event management services to Health Workforce Health Workforce IUIH for the conference. Queensland were also on Queensland was a panel the planning committee member for the Plenary and advisory group with Address “#DestinationRural: identifying topics and areas A new normal for future to address during the forum. workforce”, as well as a 180 virtual trade exhibitor for the virtual conference which Delegates attended gives us the opportunity to engage with general 70 practitioners in rural Queensland – many of Delegates attended which the Agency works with individually and with their practice. 129

Delegates attended Financial Statements

36 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 37 Statement of Profit or Loss Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income Statement of Financial Position For the Year Ended 30 June 2020 At at 30 June 2020

2020 ($) 2019 ($) ASSETS 2020 ($) 2019 ($)

Current Assets Revenue 18,012,286 14,885,219 • Cash and cash equivalents 23,259,038 10,116,974 Expenses (17,966,661) (14,881,941) • Trade and other receivables 12,602,051 7,503,777

Surplus before income tax 45,625 3,278 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 35,861,089 17,620,751

Income tax expense - - Non-Current Assets Total Property, plant and equipment 72,672 92,229 Surplus for the year 45,625 3,278 Right of use asset 1,000,711 - Other Comprehensive income, net or income tax - - TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 1,073,383 92,229

Total Comprehensive income attributable to members of the entity 45,625 3,278 TOTAL ASSETS 36,934,472 17,712,980

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities

• Trade and other payables 33,167,747 542,185

• Lease liability 345,944 -

• Short-term provisions 435,104 374,187

• Other liabilities - 14,585,210

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 33,948,795 15,501,582

Non-Current Liabilities -

• Lease liability unsecured 739,920 -

• Long-term provisions 43,569 54,835

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 783,489 54,835

TOTAL LIABILITIES 34,732,284 15,556,417

NET ASSETS 2,202,188 2,156,563

EQUITY

• Retained earnings 2,202,188 2,156,563

TOTAL EQUITY 2,202,188 2,156,563

38 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 39 Independent Auditor’s Report Independent Auditor’s Report

,1'(3(1'(17 $8',725¶6 5(3257 72 7+( 0(0%(56 2) +($/7+ ,1'(3(1'(17 $8',725¶6 5(3257 72 THE MEMBERS OF HEALTH WORKFORCE QUEENSLAND LIMITED (CONTINUED) WORKFORCE QUEENSLAND LIMITED Other Information (continued) Report on the Audit of the Financial Report In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information Opinion and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. We have audited the financial report of Health Workforce Queensland Limited (the Company), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2020, the statement of profit or loss and If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the other information we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting SROLFLHVDQGWKHGLUHFWRUV¶GHFODUDWLRQ Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of Health Workforce Queensland Limited, is in The directors of the Health Workforce Queensland Limited are responsible for the preparation of the accordance with Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not+for+profits Commission Act 2012, financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards including: and the Australian Charities and Not+for+profits Commission Act 2012 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true (i) giving a true and fair view of the CRPSDQ\¶VILQDQFLDOSRVLWLRQDVDW30 June 2020 and of its and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. financial performance for the year then ended. and In preparing the financial report, the directors DUHUHVSRQVLEOHIRUDVVHVVLQJWKHHQWLW\¶VDELOLW\WR (ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards and Division 60 of the Australian Charities and continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using Not+for+profits Commission Regulation 2013. the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the entity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Basis for Opinion The directors DUHUHVSRQVLEOHIRURYHUVHHLQJWKHHQWLW\¶VILQDQFLDOUHSRUWLQJSURFHVV We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under WKRVHVWDQGDUGVDUHIXUWKHUGHVFULEHGLQWKH$XGLWRU¶V5HVSRQVLELOLWLHVIRUWKH$XGLWRIWKH)LQDQFLDO $XGLWRU¶V5HVSRQVLELOLWLHVIRUWKH$XGLWRIWKH)LQDQFLDO5HSRUW Report section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional & (WKLFDO6WDQGDUGV%RDUG¶V$3(6Code of Ethics for Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our IUHHIURPPDWHULDOPLVVWDWHPHQWZKHWKHUGXHWRIUDXGRUHUURUDQGWRLVVXHDQDXGLWRU¶VUeport that audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that accordance with the Code. an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic for our opinion. decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report. Other Information As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the LQIRUPDWLRQLQWKH&RPSDQ\¶VDQQXDOUHSRUWIRUWKH\HDUHQGHG-XQHEXWGRHVQRWLQFOXGH x Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to the financial repRUWDQGRXUDXGLWRU¶VUHSRUWWKHUHRQ fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not express any detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from form of assurance conclusion thereon. error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. x Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an RSLQLRQRQWKHHIIHFWLYHQHVVRIWKHHQWLW\¶VLQWHUQDOFRQWURO

40 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 41 Independent Auditor’s Report Auditor’s Independence Declaration

,1'(3(1'(17 $8',725¶6 5(3257 72 7+( 0(0%(56 2) +($/7+ WORKFORCE QUEENSLAND LIMITED (CONTINUED)

x Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting $8',725¶6 ,1'(3(1'(1&( '(&/$5$7,21 81'(5 SUBDIVISION 6040 OF $8',725¶6 ,1'(3(1'(1&( '(&/$5$7,21 81'(5 SUBDIVISION 6040 OF estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. THE AUSTRALIAN CHARITIES AND NOTFORPROFITS COMMISSION ACT 2012 THE AUSTRALIAN CHARITIES AND NOTFORPROFITS COMMISSION ACT 2012 x TO THE&RQFOXGH DIRECTORSRQWKHDSSURSULDWHQHVV OF HEALTHRI WORKFORCEWKHGLUHFWRUV¶XVH QUEENSLANDRIWKHJRLQJFRQFHUQ LIMITEDEDVLVRI DFFRXQWLQJ TO THE DIRECTORS OF HEALTH WORKFORCE QUEENSLAND LIMITED and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events RUFRQGLWLRQVWKDWPD\FDVWVLJQLILFDQWGRXEWRQWKHUHJLVWHUHGHQWLW\¶VDELOLW\WRFRQWLQXHDVDJRLQJ concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in RXUDXGLWRU¶VUHSRUWWRWKHUHODWHGGLVFORVXUHVLQWKHILQDQFLDOUHSRUWRULIVXFK GLVFORVXUHVDUH inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up I declareto that, the todate the of best our ofauditor my knowledge¶VUHSRUW+RZHYHU and belief,IXWXUH duringHYHQWV the yearRUFRQGLWLRQV ended 30 PD\June FDXVH2020 thereWKHUHJLVWHUHG have  I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, during the year ended 30 June 2020 there have been no entitycontraventions to cease toof continuethe auditor as independencea going concern. requirements as set out in any applicable code of been no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. professional conduct in relation to the audit. x Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. Nexia Brisbane Audit Pty Ltd Nexia Brisbane Audit Pty Ltd

Nexia Brisbane Audit Pty Ltd N D Bamford N D Bamford Director Director

Date: 23 October 2020 Date: 23 October 2020

ND Bamford Director

Level 28, 10 Eagle Street Brisbane, QLD 4000

Date: 23 October 2020

42 2019-20 HWQ Annual Report | 43 Level 13, 288 Edward Street Brisbane QLD Australia 4000

07 3105 7800 [email protected] 07 3105 7801 healthworkforce.com.au