The ASA, as a peak representative body for anaesthetists in Australia, focuses on the economic, workforce and professional interests of its members to ensure high standards of the profession.
The ASA has commissioned a report by HealthConsult to explore the current state of the anaesthetist workforce in Australia and develop a workforce planning model up to 2032. The report was launched at Parliament House, Canberra on 14th August 2024.
Key findings
- Demand for anaesthetic services is expected to increase by 35.7% between 2017 and 2032.
- The anaesthetist workforce in Australia is predicted to increase only 31.8% in this time, from 4,594 to 6,055 anaesthetists.
- In 2027 there is estimated to be a 4 per cent shortfall gap between the forecast and required workforce.
- By 2032, the forecast workforce shortfall is expected to reach a 5.7 per cent.
- One fifth of anaesthetists are expected to retire within five years (National Health Workforce Dataset (NHWDS)).
- Anaesthetists’ working hours are unlikely to match workload into the future.