National Health Reform Program

In August 2011, State/Territory and the Commonwealth governments finalised the new National Health Reform Agreement.

This agreement replaces the National Health and Hospitals Network Agreement announced by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in April 2010 and implements the Heads of Agreement on National Health Reforms endorsed by COAG in February 2011.

The national health reforms are expected to drive major improvements in service delivery and better health outcomes for Australians by:

• helping people receive more seamless care across sectors of the health system
• improving people's quality of care received through performance standards and improved engagement of local clinicians
• providing a secure funding base for health and hospitals into the future.

As part of the reforms services to both older and younger people will continue with a clean split of responsibilities for aged care, community services and disability programs. The reforms will enable the creation of integrated and coordinated care systems that are easier for clients to access and navigate, and respond more flexibly to clients changing care needs. This will include services currently provided under the Home and Community Care (HACC) program.

Further information on the national health reforms is available at the Commonwealth Government website yourHealth and regular updates can be received by registering through the website. Alternatively information is also available through the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing on freecall 1800 020 103.