National body forged to support Medicare Locals

The federal government has announced the formation of a new national agency to lead and support its nationwide network of Medicare Locals. The new body, to be formed on July 1, will be called the Australian Medicare Local Network.

A key component of the Australian Government’s national health reforms, Medicare Locals are the 62 health care organisations covering the entirety of Australia established to coordinate primary health care delivery and tackle local health care needs and service gaps. They are designed to drive improvements in primary health care and ensure that services are better tailored to meet the needs of local communities.

The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) has been charged with forming the new agency. AGPN Chair, Dr Emil Djakic said the Australian Medicare Local Network will assist the 62 Medicare Locals “reach their full potential to strengthen, improve and better link Australia’s primary health care system”.

Making the announcement yesterday, federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the new agency will “lead the way” in assisting Medicare Locals fulfill their objective to ensure patient access the services they need.

Dr Djakic added the Australian Medicare Local Network will build on AGPN’s pre-existing focus on general practice, “to spearhead an organised system of Medicare Locals. It will have an interest and voice in a wider set of policy issues, work with a wide set of stakeholders including in general practice, health, aged and social care and it will promote improvement and excellence in the Medicare Local sector by translating evidence and innovation into practice.”

The new national organisation’s governance will comprise a skills-based board including clinical and community leaders.