The Council for the Australian Federation (CAF) met in Adelaide on 6 October 2023 to discuss key issues, including broad-ranging reform of the healthcare system and more immediate practical measures to alleviate pressures across Australia’s healthcare system.
Health Reform
CAF discussed the work underway in the lead up to the dedicated Health National Cabinet meeting at the end of the year and that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental issue for all Australians. Australia has a unique health system that has served us well for many decades and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, we now need to ensure it is well-resourced, supported, and ready to meet the broader healthcare needs of Australians well into the future. First Ministers agreed there are a number of actions that states and territories, along with the Commonwealth, can take to improve and grow the health workforce. The number of NDIS and Aged Care patients in hospital beds is uniformly high across the Federation, and First Ministers will work with the Commonwealth to proactively address this issue. All First Ministers look forward to the next National Cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to further the discussion on healthcare reform.
National First Voice to Parliament
Earlier this year, all First Ministers signed a statement unanimously supporting a First Nations Voice to Parliament. With new Premiers joining CAF from New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, all First Ministers strongly reaffirmed their position — because meaningful consultation with communities leads to better outcomes across the board.
