National Health Reform Agreement
On 2 August 2011, the Prime Minister announced that in partnership with states and territories, a National Health Reform Agreement has been reached which will deliver better health care for all Australians and secure the sustainability of Australia’s health system into the future.
The agreement cements the commitment made at the 13 February Council of Australian Governments meeting, and will see all governments working together to reform the health system. This agreement will build on the work already progressed to date.
Under the agreement, all governments have agreed to major reforms to the organisation, funding and delivery of health and aged care.
These reforms aim to deliver better access to services, improved local accountability and transparency, greater responsiveness to local communities and provide a stronger financial basis for our health system into the future through increased Commonwealth funding.
The findings of an Expert Panel, established to consider the optimal implementation of new Elective Surgery and Emergency Department targets, were also announced today. The implementation of Elective Surgery and Emergency Department targets aims to improve patient access to services through reducing waiting times whilst ensuring high quality and safe care.
Full details are available via the links below:
National Health Reform Agreement - Fact Sheets
- National Health Reform Agreement
- Proper Funding—A New Funding Model
- Less Waste: A More Transparent, Efficient and Accountable Public Hospital System
- Less Waiting, More Timely Hospital Services For All Australians
National Health Reform Agreement - FAQs
National Health Reform Agreement and related documents
- National Health Reform Agreement
- National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospitals
- Expert Panel Review of Elective Surgery and Emergency Access Targets (Final Report)
- National Healthcare Agreement 2011
What's happening
Privacy Impact Assessment on the PCEHR system
A detailed Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) into the PCEHR system has been undertaken by Minter Ellison Lawyers and Salinger Privacy. The PIA report made 112 recommendations.
Launch of the “Software Developers Resource Centre”
A new vendor portal has been launched by the Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) and National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA).
Plain packaging legislation receives the Royal Assent
The Australian Government's world first legislation to require all tobacco to be sold in plain packaging received the Royal Assent on 1 December 2011.
