Australia faces major challenges as it evolves to cope with the burden of disease associated with rising rates of chronic and multi chronic conditions and an ageing population – it is vital to ensure that the healthcare system innovatively adapts for our evolving needs by identifying and implementing an effective strategic policy framework supported by enabling health services strategies for better integrating patient care, managing increasing chronic disease, developing a more flexible and adaptable health workforce, developing and effectively deploying new technologies and improving care towards the end of life.