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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 8 Hansard (28 August) . . Page.. 2635 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

Council members also considered a report of the healthy ageing task force, established in October 1996 to develop a national healthy ageing strategy, develop a coordinated approach to the celebration of the International Year of Older Persons in 1999 and oversee the activities of the Australian seniors tourism scheme. The national healthy ageing strategy seeks to emphasise the positive aspects of ageing for individuals and the community and identify a range of strategies for improving community attitudes, health, wellbeing and community participation, sustainable resourcing, inclusive communities, appropriate care and support, and research and information. The ACT will be looking to identify opportunities arising from the healthy ageing strategy for adoption here.

The ACT is also active in its support for the planning framework of a coordinated approach to the celebration of the International Year of Older Persons to be held in 1999. The ACT firmly supports the principles that underpin this event, these being independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity. Council members noted the progress of a proposal to develop a national tourist seniors card that could provide access to discounted public transport, travel and also tourism products. Council will further consider this proposal as feasibility issues are addressed by the healthy ageing task force.

Mr Speaker, the Australian Health Ministers Conference was held on the next day and discussed a number of specific issues of direct relevance to the ACT. Council continued its consideration of the framework for the renegotiation of the new Australian health care agreement to replace the Medicare agreements when they expire in mid-1998. Ministers have previously reaffirmed their commitment that any new agreement should include the Medicare principles of universal coverage and access to services on the basis of health need.

Additionally, they have endorsed that the following five principles will apply to progressing the agreements: Firstly, the health needs of individuals, particularly those who frequently use the system, are to be met by an integrated and coordinated system of care. Secondly, funding will be focused on identified outputs and outcomes, and will support evidence-based best practice. Thirdly, there will be focus on continuous improvement across the health system, encouraging best practice, innovative models of health care provision, and transformational change in infrastructure. Fourthly, there will be cost-effective management, for the benefit of consumers and governments, with improved management of risks by those in the best position to do so. Fifthly, information will be collected across the health system to support improved policy analysis, management, service delivery and individual care planning.

Ministers have now further agreed to a set of "building blocks" necessary to achieve better integrated and coordinated care through the health care agreements. These building blocks include protocols to support "measure and share" arrangements, integrated information systems, an output and outcome focus and appropriate sharing of risk arrangements. I believe that the new agreements will open up opportunities for the ACT in terms of a more integrated and coordinated approach to health care. Ministers will consider a draft framework agreement in November 1997.

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