Home > Our Publications > Australian Outlook> 2005 > November

Queensland gets tough on doctors

A SPECIAL taskforce has been created to assess overseas-trained doctors as part of the Queensland Government's plan to improve the standard of overseas-trained doctors and nurses entering the state's health system.

A "medical excellence taskforce" made up of senior Queensland medical practitioners will screen doctors before they are allowed to practise medicine in the state.

Queensland Health is also set to lose responsibility for designating "areas of need" for the recruitment of doctors.

State Premier Peter Beattie said the taskforce would have a crucial role in restoring faith in the Queensland health system.

"The taskforce will develop a broader and more integrated system to govern the recruitment, assessment, supervision, training and support of doctors - especially overseas-trained doctors," he said.

"We will raise the standards for the registration of doctors to better protect the community."

The taskforce will be chaired by an "independent, respected" clinician and feature representatives from the Australian Medical Association, specialist colleges and other peak medical bodies including the Australian Medical Council and Rural Doctors Association as well as Queensland Health.

Mr Beattie also announced that following his recent visit to London to recruit British doctors, 75 expressions of interest had been registered by Queensland Health after more than 9000 hits on its website.

The majority of the applicants were doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.