As communities across Australia continue to grapple with the healthcare workforce crisis, independent candidate for Cowper, Caz Heise, is calling for urgent, long-term action to train and retain healthcare professionals in our region.

With a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector, Caz is committed to ensuring that Cowper has the healthcare services it deserves.

““I’ve spent my career on the frontline, supporting staff, managing services during bushfires and floods, and seeing first-hand how burnout, staff shortages, poor working conditions and a lack of access to housing, childcare and other basic needs, hurt both workers and patients,” Caz said.

“Regional areas like ours are feeling the effects of the global and national health workforce shortage more acutely than ever. We need a plan that goes beyond short-term fixes and invests in local talent, support, and infrastructure.”

Caz Heise’s Plan for Strengthening the Health Workforce in Cowper

1. Develop Local Training Pathways: Partner with local health services and education providers to create comprehensive training programs, including internships, mentorships, and scholarships. These pathways will help local students and mid-career professionals pursue healthcare careers, without having to leave the region.

2. Making vocational and higher education more accessible:

   1. Fee-Free TAFE and more accessible university place

   2. Greater support for nurse wellbeing, safety, and career development

   3. Reducing HECS debt for nurses, healthcare workers, and teachers in high-need areas

   4. Locally delivered courses to help people study and work where they live

3. Improve pay and conditions: Push for better pay, fairer benefits, and rural placement incentives to make regional healthcare jobs more attractive. 

4. Support affordable housing and childcare

5. Help healthcare workers build a life in Cowper by addressing two of the biggest barriers to staff retention: access to affordable housing and childcare services.

6. Support Mental Health and Wellbeing: Fund initiatives that tackle burnout and improve the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. This includes access to free counselling services, workplace support, and mental health programs that keep our workforce strong and supported   

Statements attributable to Caz Heise 

“To provide quality healthcare for our residents, we need to invest in local talent.  That means creating clear, supported pathways for locals to train and build healthcare careers, here in Cowper.”

“We have incredible people ready to serve our community, but they need access to training, fair pay, and decent working conditions. That’s how we build a strong, local workforce.”

“Many healthcare workers are underpaid and overwhelmed, especially in regional areas where housing, childcare, and burnout are real barriers. These issues are just as critical as funding more training places.”

“We need meaningful, long-term solutions, not bandaid fixes. That means improving education access, job satisfaction, and community infrastructure so that Cowper becomes a place healthcare professionals choose to stay and thrive.”

“With the right support, we can transform Cowper into a region where healthcare professionals choose to build their careers and stay to provide exceptional care for our residents,” Caz concluded.