Doctors warn cutting migration could cripple Australia's health system

Key points

• Australian doctors are warning that political pressure to sharply cut migration could have unintended consequences for hospitals and regional communities. Thirty per cent of Australia's doctors trained overseas, along with more than 40 per cent of GPs and more than half of intensive care specialists.
• Peter Subramaniam, president of the South Australian branch of the Australian Medical Association, said migrant doctors are holding up the health system, particularly in rural areas.
• Migrants also make up more than 50 per cent of aged care staff, and Ageing Australia's chief executive warned against telling overseas workers they are unwelcome.