ReportWatch: A Healthier Future for all Australians—Interim Report December 2008

This impressive and clearly written report covers a broad scope of essential reform, in a well organised framework. It is a credit to the Commission that the authors were able to quickly draw together material from so many submissions and consultations, into a coherent whole for further discussion and consultation. Since its launch on 16 February the report has been the focus of much media attention, followed by rapid reactions and considered responses from many sectors of the Australian community. These diverse responses have illustrated well the obstacles to achieving health reform in an industry where the many different players have competing priorities and different perspectives, and one sees the whole picture – or the entire gallery of pictures that make up health care experiences.

‘Strong primary health care is the foundation of our health care system' is repeated many times in this interim report. It proposes the Commonwealth should take responsibility for policy and funding of all primary health care, to improve its effectiveness and reduce service delivery problems perceived by patients and health practitioners. The Commission's long term view is apparent in its strong emphasis on health promotion and prevention, drawing on many of the enduring concepts of enabling health choices, increasing knowledge and skills, and building on evidence. Its support for research and a culture of continuous learning is welcome.

I urge those who have not yet read the report or the summary to do so, to discuss, debate and provide feedback to the Commission on the reform directions offered, the options and the suggestions that will affect primary health care for a long time, and involve us all whether we are on the receiving or the delivering end of health care.
The report is available at <www.nhhrc.org.au>