23 Jul 2025

Strengthening the Cancer Workforce

CNSA was proud to attend a recent national Cancer Workforce Workshop, bringing together more than 80 representatives from nearly 40 organisations committed to shaping the future of Australia’s cancer workforce. Convened by Cancer Australia, the workshop provided a critical forum to discuss the current and future needs of the workforce in response to the growing demand for cancer care across the country.

Representing CNSA were President Anne Mellon and CEO Jemma Still, who joined key voices from across the cancer care sector. The discussion centred on three core themes: supply and demand, capability, and equity.

Supply and Demand

With cancer incidence rising, the system faces mounting pressure to meet the demand for timely, high-quality care. Participants acknowledged the urgent need to expand and evolve; and better support the cancer workforce to keep pace with this increasing demand, especially across regional and remote areas.

Capability

The workshop also explored the evolving capabilities required to deliver high-quality care in today’s complex environment. This includes:

Expanding scope of professional practice
Adopting emerging models of care
Leveraging technology and digital innovation

As models of care shift to become more multidisciplinary and patient-centred, the role of nurses—particularly in nurse-led models of care—was highlighted as a key lever in delivering safe, effective, and cost-efficient cancer services across the care continuum.

Equity

Ensuring that all Australians can access high-quality cancer care was a central focus, with strong attention given to equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who remain disproportionately affected by cancer workforce shortages. There was also consensus that greater investment in rural and remote cancer workforce development is essential to closing gaps in access and outcomes.

CNSA was especially pleased to see its workforce reports recognised and referenced during the workshop to inform the national dialogue. Our advocacy for nurse-led models of care as a proven, evidence-based solution to current workforce challenges continues to gain traction, and we were encouraged by the strong support for these approaches across the sector.

We will continue to keep members informed of key updates and opportunities as national workforce planning progresses. We also encourage all cancer nurses to complete the 2025 Cancer Nursing Workforce Survey—your insights are vital to ensuring our data is current and reflective of the evolving needs and realities of our profession.

We commend Cancer Australia for its leadership and coordination of this pivotal conversation and look forward to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to drive national progress in workforce capability, sustainability, and equity.

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