AHHA supports strengthening the existing capabilities and accountability of PHNs and LHNs to facilitate joint local planning and commissioning. However, we diverge from the PC recommendations regarding the creation of Regional Commissioning Authorities (RCAs). Establishing RCAs risks creating an unnecessary costly additional layer of bureaucracy when structures already exist (LHNs and PHNs) that could be better supported to perform the same coordinating function.
The PC RCA recommendation is in opposition to intent expressed in the 2020-25 Addendum toNational Health Reform Agreement which outlines a commitment for the Australian Government, states and territories to ‘work in partnership to implement arrangements for a nationally unified and locally controlled health system which will improve local accountability and responsiveness to the needs of communities, through continued cooperation and collaboration between Local Hospital Networks (LHNs) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs)’ (Schedule E)(CFFR 2020). The introduction of levers and accountability structures that strengthen the role of existing organisational structures (PHNs and LHNs), is a cost-effective strategy that delivers on this intention of governments and recognises the interconnected nature of mental and physical health.
