Reducing preventable hospitalisations in order to improve health outcomes and reduce unnecessary healthcare system costs is a longstanding concern. Finding solutions requires cross-sector effort, investment, research and system redesign. Solutions will only be found if there is collaboration and shared responsibility across Commonwealth and state/territory governments, the acute and primary care sectors, and the public and private sectors.

Variation in the volume and cost of healthcare provided across Australia indicates that there may be differences in healthcare access or appropriateness. Addressing this variation is central to ensuring effective sustainable health services and the best possible health outcomes for all Australians.