New Zealand’s opposition party has launched a rare intervention into the Australian federal election campaign, raising concerns about Labor’s plan to rely on skilled migration to boost nurse numbers in aged care homes.
Key points:New Zealand is struggling with a severe shortage of nurses in the aged care sectorAustralia’s federal opposition has pledged to have one trained nurse in every aged care facility The New Zealand opposition is worried the ALP could fill its obligation by attracting nurses from across the TasmanNational Party health spokesman Dr Shane Reti told the ABC the skilled migration push would likely have a “negative impact” on his country, which is also struggling with a severe shortage of nurses in the aged care sector.
“If Australia is going to significantly ramp up its demand, then as its closest neighbour, it might look towards us to meet those demands,” said Dr Reti told the ABC.
“That would be a challenge for us. That would have a negative impact on us.”
The federal opposition has pledged to have at least one trained nurse in every aged care facility at all hours, setting a one-year deadline should it win the election.
That goal would not allow enough time for new nurses to be
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