National Health Reform

Building a 21st Century - Primary Health Care System - Australia’s First National Primary Health Care Strategy

National Health and Hospitals Network

From 1 July 2011, the Australian Government will assume full funding and policy responsibility for GP and primary health care, as defined in the NHHN Agreement (2010)¹. This covers services currently provided by states and territories, including community health centre primary health care services, primary mental health care, immunisation and cancer screening programs, as well as any further services to be agreed with the states and territories for recommendation to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) by December 2010.

Having one level of government responsible for all primary health care will create strong incentives to support a healthier community and reduce pressure on hospitals. Transferring funding and policy responsibility for primary health care to the Australian Government aims to improve services in the community, address gaps in access and drive diversity and innovation in service delivery.

The Australian Government will work with states and territories on system-wide primary health care policy, including where coordination is required to improve system integration or service planning.

¹ Funding for this measure includes the full amount of funding allocated to Western Australia. This funding is dependent on the Western Australian government becoming a signatory to the National Health and Hospitals Network Agreement.