This report studies the feasibility of using the National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD) to investigate the relationship between obesity and hospitalised injury in Australia. It concludes that the NHMD does not currently provide a reliable basis for measuring obesity among admitted patients, nor to assess the characteristics of injury cases with obesity. Importantly, the data...

In August 2012, the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority (IHPA) engaged the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) to develop nationally consistent definitions and guidelines for subacute and non-acute admitted patient care and care types for implementation from 1 July 2013 to support activity based funding. Method In developing these definitions and guidelines, the AIHW...

High growth in health spending is the area of public expenditure that will unsustainably increase the size of government in coming decades. This report, part of the Centre for Independent Studies' TARGET30 campaign, outlines some practical policies that can help cut Medicare down to size. It also proposes ‘big bang’ health reform involving the use...

This report on voluntary euthanasia law reform by think-tank Australia21 and QUT Health Law Research Centre was launched as Parliament House in Canberra on 26 April 2013. The report recommends state governments legislate to permit voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide in particular circumstances, urges the Australian Government to restore powers to the Territories to enable...

Healthcare: Reform or ration considers: The contribution of the biotechnology sector to the Australian economy, export challenges and opportunities and policies that would support sector innovation and advance Australia's comparative advantage; How education in STEM skills underpins an innovative economy and policies that would improve the quality and quantity of students undertaking STEM subjects; and...