Health Reform Progress in Western Australia – Divisions of General Practice and Medicare Locals

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) have agreed to a new deal on health that delivers national health reform that builds on the partnerships between the Australian Government, primary health care providers and the States and Territories.

As part of this approach the Australian Government will have a renewed focus on the delivery of strong primary health care and has committed to establishing a national network of primary health care organisations, known as Medicare Locals (MLs).1

In Western Australia, Medicare Locals will evolve from high performing Divisions of General Practice.2

Medicare Locals will be coordinating bodies for local health services, connecting health services for local health needs. Medicare Locals will work with local General Practitioners and allied health and community health providers to improve access to care for community.

Medicare Locals will have formal links to Local Hospital Networks with the aim of shifting the balance of health services away from hospitals and back to the community sector. Medicare Locals are about getting the right care, at the right place at the right time.

For further information in relation to health reform and its impact on Divisions/Networks of General Practice and Medicare Locals please visit the Health Reform section of this website.