Zed Seselja announces $420,000 federal funding encouraging Canberrans to work in health sector

The federal government has created a new $420,000 information drive in the ACT under its National Careers Institute Partnership Grants program, in a bid to increase the number of Canberrans working in health care and community services.

The ACT Council of Social Services will use the money to create the ACT Health and Community Services Careers Hub, alerting them to potential career paths in the sector.

Liberal Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said Canberrans weighing up their next career move would be given the "best possible advice" on their options in the health care.

"COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of ensuring we have a strong health and community sector workforce, and the vital role these workers play in our community," he said.

"With so many rewarding career opportunities in the sector, the Federal Government's $420,000 investment in the Hub will mean current and future workers have access to the best possible career advice, ensuring they have the confidence to pursue the career of their dreams."

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Senator Seselja said applications will be in three rounds, beginning from October 20, and with an extra $10 million in grants on offer.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased pressure on health care systems across the country, with aged care and disability services under particular strain.

The state governments have raised also the alarm over hospital capacity, with the imminent easing of restrictions set to see a spike in COVID-19 transmission.

The ACT government has warned the territory faced an influx of patients from nearby NSW and its healthcare system could be overrun.

But ACTCOSS CEO Emma Campbell said the ACT was also facing long-term demands brought on by a growing and ageing population.

Dr Campbell said the new hub would make an "important contribution" in encouraging people to the sector, which included childcare, aged care, and disability support.

"We want to ensure that we have a skilled and motivated workforce to ensure that all Australians receive the care and support that they deserve," she said.

"We are incredibly grateful for this generous and important funding from the Australian government.

"[It will] enhance career pathways in our sector to help people reach their full career potential and allow for stronger collaboration in the delivery of careers guidance."

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