The Council for the Australian Federation (CAF) met on 2 February 2023, with state and territory Premiers and Chief Ministers reaffirming their commitment to reforms that improve outcomes across the Federation.
2023 CAF Priorities
CAF noted good progress on 2022 priorities, with collective action by CAF providing a solid foundation for continued leadership by states and territories.
CAF agreed to a continued focus on health reform as its key strategic priority for 2023, along with national skills reform and productivity-enhancing early interventions for vulnerable young Australians.
CAF will champion a partnership approach between First Ministers, Treasurers and portfolio Ministers from all jurisdictions to deliver meaningful improvements in these areas.
Health Reform
Reform of Australia’s health care system is the most urgent and important priority for CAF. CAF agreed to a vision of a patient-centred and sustainable health care system that delivers the best outcomes for our community.
Building on the Commonwealth’s Strengthening Medicare Taskforce report, CAF will seek to work collaboratively through National Cabinet to drive ambitious reform efforts across all parts of the health system. This will be demonstrated through early, tangible actions and recognises that the Commonwealth and state and territory governments are joint partners, together with other key health stakeholders, in delivering a sustainable end-to-end system that works for all Australians.
Voice to Parliament
CAF agreed that the referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Australian Constitution is a national priority.
Premiers and Chief Ministers affirmed their commitment, through a Joint Statement of Intent to work in partnership with the Commonwealth to ensure Australians are afforded a free and fair referendum process. Signed Statement of Intent
All state and territory governments will support the Commonwealth Government to ensure the integrity and transparency of the referendum process, ensure an informed and respectful national conversation, and consider steps for implementing the Voice following a successful referendum.
CAF Architecture and Operations
CAF also agreed to a refreshed CAF Agreement that better reflects the operations and functioning of CAF in the current intergovernmental relations architecture. The final signed Agreement will be published on the CAF website.
