Environmental Health Systems - Workforce

Environmental Health Symposium on Education, Research and Workforce Report (2000)

The Environmental Health Section and the Education Research and Workforce Unit, both part of the Commonwealth Australian Department of Health and Ageing's Population Health Division, conducted the Environmental Health Symposium on Education, Research and Workforce in Canberra on 17 and 18 July 2000.

The symposium provided an opportunity for interested groups to participate in collaborative work on environmental health education, research and workforce development issues and outcomes. The symposium was held to assist in determining what type of workforce is required to meet environmental health needs now and in the future, and how current capacity in education and research can be better utilised. The outcomes of the symposium will help to inform the National Environmental Health Strategy Implementation Plan and the Public Health Education and Research Program (PHERP), including the development of environmental health education and research capacity for the future.

Objectives for the symposium were circulated to participants in advance for consideration and discussion. This process gave some boundaries to the outcomes of the symposium and provided a sound basis for its design.

The follow-up report Proceedings of the Environmental Health Symposium on Education, Research and Workforce produced in October 2000 was a report on proceedings of the Symposium. While it gives an indication of key issues raised and outcomes of the Symposium, the report has not been endorsed by participants, including the Commonwealth.

Environmental Health Symposium on Education, Research and Workforce Report (2000) [PDF file, 213k]

Implementation Plan Projects Currently Underway

Part I
Development of mechanisms for regular updating of training programs for Environmental Health Officers to ensure continued relevance.

Part II
Broadened awareness of environmental health issues among other environment and health practitioners (Tas).

Issue: Workforce Part I

Need Addressed (as identified in the National Environmental Health Strategy Implementation Plan):

Development of mechanisms for regular updating of training programs for Environmental Health Officers to ensure continued relevance.

Jurisdiction: Tasmania

Projects:

Participation in EHO training programs with input on food safety and communicable disease surveillance.
Preparation of a practical guide for local government Environmental Health Officers.
Presentations at Australian Institute of Environmental Health seminars.
Trialling of video conferencing for updating local government Environmental Health Officers.

Contact Officers:

Sue Moir (Statewide Coordinator, Environmental Health)

Contact Details:

Ph 03 62 33 2707
sue.moir@dhhs.tas.gov.au

Related documents or action plans:

Public Health Act 1997
National Communicable Disease Framework
Australian and New Zealand Food Authority

Issue: Workforce Part II