Better health services for all Australians

Key investments

Over recent years, the Government has undertaken major reforms and made significant investments across the health and hospital system.

The Government's reforms to public hospital funding will see an additional $19.8 billion invested in the sector over the period to 2019–20.

This deal will ensure future generations of Australians continue to enjoy world class health care.

The National Mental Health Reform package is delivering services at a cost of $2.2 billion, including $200 million as part of a National Partnership with the states and territories and a Ten Year Roadmap for Mental Health Reform.

Expanding bowel cancer screening

In this Budget, the Government is providing $49.7 million over four years to fund a phased expansion of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia.

The expansion of this program will significantly reduce illness and death from bowel cancer through early detection and treatment. When fully implemented around 12,000 cancers each year will be detected.

Progressing the e-Health agenda

The Government is investing $233.7 million to deliver its e–Health agenda including $161.6 million to

operate the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) system. This builds on $466.7 million in the 2010–11 Budget to establish the PCEHR system.

Investing in the National Medical Stockpile

The Government is investing $49.3 million over two years to replenish elements of the National Medical Stockpile to ensure medications and medical equipment are available for use in response to a health emergency or disaster.

In total, these investments will see the Commonwealth spend $61 billion in 2012–13 on Australia's health care system, an estimated 37 per cent increase on 2007–08 levels.