This paper proposes a sustainable model of General Practice and primary health care at a time of significant primary health care reform and change. Within the context of the creation of Primary Health Networks (PHNs), the release of the National Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services report and the Reform of the Federation, and...

The impacts of the 2015-16 Budget must be assessed in light of the previous Budget, which casts a long shadow. ACOSS estimates that, combined, the two budgets strip approximately $15 billion / 4 years from basic services and supports that affect low and middle income households. Analysis from NATSEM highlights that the Abbott Government’s Budget...

The 2015-16 Budget from the Abbott Government has no major announcements on Indigenous issues, but it is far from benign in its support for Indigenous programs. Advocacy groups say it has failed to undo the damage done and anxiety caused by funding cuts in last year's Budget. Many programs and services must continue to operate...

Growing out-of-pocket health care costs are creating barriers to essential care for many Australians and arguably leading to increased hospital costs. Over time they will undermine the universality of Medicare and widen health disparities in our community. Despite this, the Abbott Government is intent on increasing Australians' individual health care costs, claiming variously that the...

This analysis looks at the health and related provisions in the Australian Government’s 2014-15 Budget. This is done in the light of current and past strategies, policies, programs and funding, and is supported, where possible, by data drawn from Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, reports and published papers. This year’s analysis has been delayed, due...