Medical workforce issues in Australia: "tomorrow's doctors--too few, too far".

The Australian medical workforce, like those of most developed countries, is increasingly "feminised" and exposed to the global market for doctors. Demand for healthcare services is increasing in the Australian community. Concern in relation to doctor shortages is increasing, particularly in rural areas. There should be greater flexibility for entry of highly-trained overseas doctors. There is an urgent need to increase medical school student intake. Issues of workforce practice, including "task" substitution, should be explored.