A national system financed and governed by the Australian Government would open up access to the widest range of health services
After 18 months of summits, taskforces, and work by the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC),1 it is still unclear whether Australia’s health system stands on the threshold of major change. Despite Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s bold statements during the 2007 election campaign, we do not know the real shape, scope or timetable for health reform. Why the delay?
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- 1. National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission. A healthier future for all Australians: final report June 2009. http://www.nhhrc.org.au/internet/nhhrc/publishing.nsf/Content/nhhrc-report (accessed Aug 2009).
- 2. National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission. A healthier future for all Australians: interim report December 2008 (released Feb 2009). http://www.nhhrc.org.au/internet/nhhrc/publishing.nsf/Content/interim-report-december-2008 (accessed Aug 2009).
- 3. Institute of Medicine. Crossing the quality chasm: a new health system for the 21st century. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2001.
- 4. UK Department of Health. Health reform in England: update and next steps. Annual report. London: Department of Health, 2007.
- 5. Stoelwinder J. Medicare choice? Insights from the Netherlands health insurance reforms. Melbourne: Australian Centre for Health Research, 2008.
- 6. Institute of Medicine. Improving the quality of health care for mental and substance-use conditions. Crossing the quality chasm: adaptation to mental health and addictive disorders. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2006.
I have led mental health projects for health professionals and the community, supported by government, community agencies and pharmaceutical industry partners (Wyeth, Eli Lilly, Servier, Pfizer, AstraZeneca). I participated in the health subgroup of the 2020 Summit and am a member of the National Advisory Council on Mental Health, which reports to the federal Health Minister. I also participate in a clinical reference group for Bupa Australia.