To Health and Happiness: WA’s Health Industry Future

We often hear that an ageing Western Australian population will have a profound impact on our labour market and economy. However, it is the pressure that this changing demographic is placing on our health system that may cause the largest social impact of all.This third BCEC Focus on Industry report provides an in-depth investigation of the health industry – a sector that is of critical importance to WA’s economy and people. The report explores the economic and employment opportunity it provides to our State, including the sector’s evolution over time. We examine the current health funding model, trends in spending, and gaps in service delivery where more resources may be required – particularly in aged care. An assessment of the health workforce uncovers what sorts of jobs are being created for health professionals and health care and services workers, and whether the workforce is happy and healthy in their jobs. Finally, in an era of digital transformation, we examine if the sector is poised to benefit from new technological advances and the spaces where digital health service delivery and innovation is already apparent in Western Australia. Western Australia’s healthcare industry has certainly made significant progress in recent years, but there is certainly scope for improvement to ensure we are delivering effective and accessible high-quality services for all West Australians.