> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infonet > February 2008

Editorial: A welcome new year

I hope the welcome holiday break has restored your energy, because whether you work in the policy, practice or research sectors of primary health care you will need a lot of energy in 2008. The PHCRED strategy is being evaluated, and new agreements are being negotiated for the Divisions Network. The familiar challenges of chronic disease, changing demographics and workforce shortages remain with us. Above all, in December 2007 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) recognised “a unique opportunity for Commonwealth-State cooperation, to end the blame game and buck passing, and to take major steps forward for the Australian community”. COAG announced that “health reform will extend across the full range of preventative, primary, acute and aged care, and across the public and private sectors. It will extend across every region of Australia, and include the challenges faced in major cities, regional areas and remote communities”.

Reform in health care will be led by a working group on Health and Ageing assisted by the new National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC). The working group aims to “improve health outcomes for all Australians and the sustainability of the Australian health system. This will involve the consistent effort of all governments, as well as active engagement with individual Australians, healthcare workers, business and the broader community”.

While comprehensive primary health care is relevant to all of the COAG work plan for 2008 <http://www.coag.gov.au/meetings/201207/index.htm> it is integral to Preventative health care and GP superclinics, for which Commonwealth/State Implementation Plans are due at the next COAG meeting in March. The Research Quality Framework may not continue but this year is a great opportunity for research to have impact. In 2008 we can all contribute sound research knowledge and practical experience to build a better health system. Good luck!