Major decisions regarding the future of healthcare in Australia will be
made this year.
 
If you support Medicare cover for complementary healthcare
go to  
          www.gopetition.com/online/17137.html

(Don't forget to let your clients know about this petition.)
 
On 19 and 20 April the Australia 2020 summit will be held
to help shape a long term strategy for the nation’s future.
 
One of the 10 areas covered is "A long-term national health strategy ..."
chaired by Nicola Roxon and professor Michael Good.
 
Anyone not attending in person can make submissions by 9 April.
 
What are your suggestions for the future of healthcare ?
 
               www.australia2020.gov.au/submissions
 
 
In addition to the summit, the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission
has been appointed
"to develop a long-term health reform plan for a modern Australia".

The Commission has been tasked by Cabinet to provide an interim report on a long-term health reform plan to the Commonwealth Government by the end of 2008, and a final plan in mid 2009.

Its work will be divided into analysing systemic problems while considering emerging challenges such as the cost of chronic disease, the ageing population and ways to give greater weight to preventative health programs.
 
Mr Rudd said he wanted his new National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission to provide a detailed blueprint of the way forward for health.
"There's no point just tinkering at the edges. We've actually got to look at this root and branch and do it thoroughly."