November

Feature story
Issue 4 / 2012
Wintalyka
What is COAG and what is it doing in respect to
Health and Ageing in Australia?
By Christine Russell
COAG represents the Council of Australian Governments and is the peak for intergovernmental
reform in Australia. So what does that mean?
The membership of COAG consists of The Prime Minister, State and Territory Premiers, Chief
Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association.
When COAG sits – which is usually twice a year, the Prime Minister chairs the meeting and the
whole focus of the meetings are to promote policy reforms that are of national significance.
One of the major reforms that COAG has focused on in recent times is the National Health Reform
Agreement 2011, in which COAG has sort to achieve health reforms that will deliver immediate
benefits to the Australian public.
As part of the reforms to our health care system COAG aims to achieve better access to care,
greater efficiency, better information as well as transparent funding of hospitals.
In addition the Commonwealth is taking full responsibility for aged care in most states throughout
Australia. The aim is to create a consistent aged care system that is streamlined and more
integrated.
Greater ability to access aged care services underpins the Commonwealth’s approach to providing
a better aged care system. The Commonwealth is determined to make for positive experiences for
older Australians in the aged care system.
Another reform that COAG is working towards is in respect of Mental Health so as to build a
stronger, more accountable and transparent efficient and effective mental health care system. The
road map for these reforms will take about 10 years to implement.
A further reform that COAG is working towards is that of Preventative Health, in an attempt to
address the rise of chronic diseases and promote healthy lifestyles.
COAG has a strong record of achievement in driving reforms that have helped transform the lives
of many Australians. We look forward to the achievement of their reforms to build a better and
improved Australia that sustains the lives of people needing services across the country.
The National Health, Aged Care, Mental Health and Preventative Health Reforms will build a robust
health and ageing system for the people of Australia to enjoy and reap the benefits of both now and
into the foreseeable future.
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