The Council for the Australian Federation (CAF) met on 27 April 2022, reaffirming its commitment to working collaboratively on key state and territory issues to improve outcomes for all Australians.
CAF Priorities for 2022
As Australia emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a real opportunity for ambitious and innovative national reform - work that states and territories are well-placed to lead from the frontline.
CAF endorsed the following priorities for 2022:
- Reviewing the operation of our Federation, to apply lessons learnt managing the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future challenges
- Reforming Australia’s healthcare system, to improve the interface between the primary and hospital sectors and improve patient outcomes
- Driving changes to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), to ensure a more consistent and equitable approach and streamlined processes
- Working constructively with Treasurers on key federal financial relations reforms
Pandemic Response Health Funding
CAF noted that states and territories face significant budgetary pressures from increased costs and demands placed on our hospital systems due to the COVID-19 pandemic and response.
CAF agreed that states and territories will continue to raise these issues with the Commonwealth, and will seek a commitment from the Commonwealth to address immediate funding and patient back-log issues
