Tasmanians needing urgent care may soon be treated at home instead of heading to a hospital, under a plan introduced by the Tasmanian Liberal Government that aims to change the way frontline health services are delivered. With the proposed introduction of Paramedic Practitioners and an expansion of the Nurse Practitioner workforce, the state is set to move into a more flexible and community-focused approach to health care delivery.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the plan as part of a broader push to ease pressure on emergency departments and ambulance services, while bringing high-level care closer to where people live. Paramedic Practitioners, a first for Tasmania, will be specially trained to deliver treatment in people’s homes and will be legally permitted to prescribe specific medications. This change is expected to reduce the number of ambulance transports and prevent some hospital visits altogether, offering a faster, more efficient option for urgent but non-critical health issues.
The Premier said the move would cut wait times and improve care by giving highly trained paramedics the tools to treat more patients on the spot. It also aims to increase efficiency within the health system and give families peace of mind when accessing urgent services. “This change will mean more Tasmanians can receive immediate treatment on the spot in their own homes, and not require an ambulance transfer to hospital,” he said. “It will save our paramedics time on the road and reduce pressure on our emergency departments, but it will also mean Tasmanian families receive the care they need, sooner.”
Beyond changes to paramedic roles, the government’s plan places a strong emphasis on growing the Nurse Practitioner workforce through additional training and investment. Scholarships will be made available to Registered Nurses to complete their Master of Nurse Practitioner qualifications, strengthening the state’s ability to offer early and advanced care without relying solely on GPs or hospitals.
Nurse Practitioners are already trained to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. The government wants to use their skills more effectively, particularly in rural and regional areas where access to regular health services can be limited. By offering financial support and professional development opportunities, the plan is designed to encourage nurses to stay and build their careers in Tasmania while operating at a more advanced level of practice.
Part of the initiative also includes incentives for private practices to hire more Nurse Practitioners, creating a pathway for growth outside the public system. This strategy is intended to increase employment opportunities and expand the range of health services available across Tasmania, especially in communities that have historically struggled to attract and retain medical staff.
Premier Rockliff framed the package as both a health solution and a workforce development strategy. “Upskilling our paramedics and nurses is a vital step forward for our health workforce and supports our plan to improve access to health care for Tasmanian families, no matter where they live,” he said. “It improves recruitment and retention, and it provides a rewarding career path for our health professionals in their own state so they can operate at the peak of their scope of practice.”
Though neither Paramedic Practitioners nor Nurse Practitioners replace doctors, both operate independently at a high level, with the authority to diagnose, prescribe, and refer patients. The introduction of these roles is expected to streamline patient care by reducing unnecessary referrals and admissions, while still maintaining quality and safety through regulated clinical practice.
Tasmania’s health system has faced rising demand and workforce pressures in recent years, with rural areas hit particularly hard. By allowing more decisions and treatments to happen earlier and closer to home, the government is betting on a system that prevents rather than reacts. This includes fewer patients travelling long distances for care, more support for people with chronic illnesses, and a better use of resources in emergency departments that are often stretched with cases that could have been resolved in community settings.
The plan is part of the Liberal Party’s broader election campaign, which promotes a stable and forward-looking government focused on delivering practical solutions. Premier Rockliff positioned the policy as an example of the kind of modern, local thinking the state needs. While attacking the opposition for a lack of direction, the Premier pointed to his team’s track record in health, housing, and cost-of-living support as proof of their readiness to continue leading.
“This election comes down to one choice: a strong Liberal team with a real plan or another merry-go-round of chaos and compromise,” he said. “Let’s get on with it. Let’s finish the job for Tasmania.”
For health professionals on the ground, the shift represents more than a policy announcement. The opportunity to practise at the top of their profession without relocating or changing sectors is likely to appeal to both new and experienced clinicians. It’s a message that speaks to workforce pride as much as patient need—one where skills are not only recognised, but also put to better use.
This next step for Tasmania’s health system leans into a future where front doors, rather than hospital doors, may become the first point of care. A home visit from a Paramedic Practitioner with a backpack full of equipment and the authority to act could make the difference between a manageable situation and a long night in the emergency department.
The addition of Nurse Practitioners in more community clinics means patients managing long-term conditions could benefit from ongoing, localised support rather than falling into cycles of acute care. For rural Tasmania, where the availability of GPs is inconsistent, it’s an approach that could quietly transform how and when people get help.
As the state prepares for another election, the message from the Liberals is one of confidence and completion—of projects begun and promises kept. The policy around Paramedic and Nurse Practitioners is presented not as a silver bullet, but as a necessary evolution for a health system under pressure.
Whether the electorate agrees will soon become clear. What is certain for now is that Tasmanians could soon find high-quality care arriving not in an emergency bay, but on their doorstep.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
🏥#Tasmania introduces Paramedic Practitioners & expands Nurse Practitioners to treat urgent cases at home. 🚑Aims to cut hospital visits & ease pressure on emergency departments. 🎓Scholarships offered to upskill nurses. #TheIndianSun @jeremyrockliff
🔗 https://t.co/TL79rJey6P pic.twitter.com/Csw9pWh2lq
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) June 18, 2025
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
