Implementing our health reform agenda
Hospital funding where it is needed most
Public hospitals on the Sunshine Coast are some of the fastest growing in Australia. In the five years to 2009–10 services provided by these hospitals have increased by over 41 per cent and costs by over 95 per cent.
Under the National Health Reform Agreement, Commonwealth funding will be increased and better targeted to areas with high demand for hospital services, such as the Sunshine Coast.
From 2014–15, the Commonwealth will not only continue to contribute funding for existing hospital services, but will also fund 45 per cent of every additional service provided by Australian public hospitals, increasing to 50 per cent by 2017–18.
This will ensure that Australia's public hospitals continue to receive the funding support they need to deliver high quality patient care.
Rolling out key elements of health reform
In August 2011, the Commonwealth and all States and Territories reached agreement on the historic $16.4 billion National Health Reform Agreement.
The Agreement represents a turning point for our health system as it will underpin the future financial sustainability of our public hospitals. The reforms are crucial to ensure future generations can continue to access the health care services they need.
From 1 July 2012, the Commonwealth will commence paying hospitals on the basis of activity they undertake. The price for hospital treatments will be separately determined by the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority to ensure an efficient price is set and that the right amount of funding is provided to hospitals when it is needed.
This agreement will ensure that future generations of Australians enjoy world class health care by increasing funding in our public health system into the future.
Projected financial benefit to the States and
Territories arising
from the National Health Reform Agreement
