All medical colleges are responsible for vocational training, but some are directly responsible for both selection and training, while for others responsibility for selection actually rests with the hospital of employer. Speakers told the workshop about the political and legal imperatives for addressing these issues including natural justice and the Trade Practices Act, as regulated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and monitored by the National Competition Council. Mr Bob Wells, of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, said the Government expected the principles of transparency, fairness and accountability to be applied to training selection and appeals processes and there was a need to continue the reforms which had already commenced. The Brennan report s framework for trainee selection should continue to be implemented, while bearing in mind the need for flexibility, especially as individual college and employer circumstances vary. Eligibility criteria there should be a clear statement of eligibility to apply for and be selected for training.
Advertising there is to be a national awareness of opportunity for all eligible candidates.
Applications for training positions applications should be written in a standardised proforma. References referees reports should be written in a standardise proforma with a view to achieving objectivity, comparability and quantification. Conduct of the interview the interview should be objective and free of bias. Ranking selection committees should score and rank candidates using the tools described. Evaluation of the selection process there should be a formal, regular, inclusive review of the selection process.