We've listened to the community and experts
The Government has listened carefully to the advice and views put forward by patients, health professionals and the Australian community.
National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission
The Government commissioned the most comprehensive review of Australia's health system in 20 years.
The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission's July 2009 report emphasised three main goals:
- tackling major access and equity issues that affect health outcomes for people now;
- a health system that is better positioned to respond to emerging challenges; and
- creating an agile and self-improving health system for long-term sustainability.
Consultation with health professionals and the Australian people
The Prime Minister and Health and Ageing Ministers have taken part in more than 100 consultations on the Commission's report with patients, health professionals and the public. The Government has also consulted on the development of this plan with State and Territory governments through COAG, reaching agreement with all but Western Australia at the April 2010 Council of Australian Governments meeting.
2010 Intergenerational Report
Another source of input was the 2010 Intergenerational Report. This report projects that growth in all categories of Australian Government health spending will increase and that rising health costs will be by far the largest contributor to increased Australian Government spending in 2050, accounting for around two-thirds of the overall increase in spending.
Locations of Australian Government's health reform consultations
