Abstract

The National Centre for Health Workforce Studies (NCHWS) is a new group within NCEPH. Tomoko will briefly introduce the mission of the Centre, who we are, and our priorities.

We will then present a recent modelling study forecasting demand for public sector midwives in the ACT through to 2032. The workforce model incorporates local demographic trends, changing maternity care preferences, and policy commitments. Using a microsimulation approach, the model simulates pregnant populations, estimates likely care pathways, and translates service needs into full-time equivalent (FTE) midwifery workforce demand. Scenario analyses are used to assess the workforce implications of potential policy changes.

The findings highlight a growing demand for public sector midwives in the ACT and aim to support evidence-based workforce planning.

Broadly speaking, the work of the Centre contributes to policy and planning at the local level, National level and regionally. Harnessing the power of data and listening carefully to local knowledge base characterise the way we work on projects funded by WHO, Australian governments and WHO.

Speakers

Associate Professor Tomoko Sugiura is the Director of the National Centre for Health Workforce Studies. Tomoko is a researcher and policy specialist with more than 30 years’ experience in health data, health policy and research. Her work spans academia, government and the private sector, with current interests in health systems, , workforce policy, and the intersection of culture, technology and health care.

Dr Qingyue (Marco) Li is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Centre for Health Workforce Studies. His background is in Actuarial Studies, his PhD thesis focusing on the topic of "Forecasting Private Health Insurance Participation in Australia Using a Microsimulation Model". Since joining the National Centre in 2024, Marco has led a number of workforce projection projects.

Seminar recording