Australians can look forward to more effective and cohesive primary health care with the launch of a new national body to lead the network of Medicare Locals.

Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler today attended the launch of the Australian Medicare Local Alliance in Parliament House, Canberra.

Ms Plibersek said the Australian Medicare Local Alliance will play a key role in ensuring Medicare Locals function effectively and efficiently and work as a cohesive group, responsive to changing Government priorities.

“Medicare Locals will improve the coordination and integration of primary health care in local communities, addressing service gaps and making it easier for patients to navigate their local healthcare system,” she said

“As the body responsible for supporting Medicare Locals at the national level, the new Australian Medicare Local Alliance will assume a key leadership role in primary health care.”

Mr Butler said the Alliance will support Medicare Locals to become high performing organisations and, from 1 January next year, coordinate the provision of state-based functions on behalf of the Medicare Local network.

“The Alliance will play an important role in preventive health and health promotion, and will work with a wide set of stakeholders, including those in general practice, allied health, and the aged and social care sectors,” he said.

“The Australian Medical Local Alliance will play a vital role in ensuring the ‘big picture’ in primary health care across the country comes into focus and I look forward to working with the Alliance in building a better health system.”

Nationally, 61 Medicare Locals have been established to identify gaps in primary health care services at the local level, especially for high need and underserviced groups, and to better target services to respond to those gaps.

The Australian Government has committed a total of $493 million from 2010-11 to 2012-14 for the establishment and operation of Medicare Locals. It will also be the primary funder of the Australian Medicare Local Alliance.  

For all media inquiries, please contact:

Minister Plibersek's Office:        Simon Crittle                 02 6277 7220
Minister Butler's Office:        Brooke Wylie                0408 833 967

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