Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that thousands of nurses and midwives will soon study at university for free.

The announcement has brought with it a $270 million boost to the healthcare sector over five years.

The Australian Private Hospitals Association released a statement this morning slamming the proposal, saying the decision will bring a raft of complications.

APHA CEO Michael Roff told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings that they are concerned that it will affect other states like WA.

“This is going to descend into a state-by-state bidding war when everyone has agreed,” he said.

“Mark Butler, the Federal Minister, has stated we need a national health workforce strategy which we don’t have at the moment,

“But each state just looking after their own patch is not a national strategy, and it’s going to undermine the provision of services.”

Press PLAY to hear APHA’s full thoughts on the decision.