Why ‘free’ university for nurses in Victoria would ‘undermine’ health care in Australia

The Andrews government has been accused of “undermining” health care in Australia with a bold plan to pay for nurses to study at university, as long as they commit to working for two years in Victoria’s public health care system.

The state opposition has declared it will match the promise that will see nurses and midwives study for free, as part of a $270 boost to the healthcare sector.

But the CEO of the Australia Private Hospitals Association has flagged concerns.

“The real problem, I think, is if we start to get other states following this lead, then we’re going to end up with a bidding war – state against state – to try and attract nurses when what we really need is a national strategy to grow our health workforce and make sure it’s appropriate to meet the demands in future,” Michael Roff told 3AW Mornings.

Press PLAY below to hear him explain why

Picture: Getty iStock