Filling the gap

Our report on dental care argues that Australia should introduce a Medicare-style universal insurance scheme for primary dental care, to ensure all Australians can go to the dentist when they need to. A universal scheme would cost an extra $5.6 billion a year, could...

Reforming Australian Aged Care

The Royal Commission into Aged Quality and Safety is in its early stages. In my presentation to the Commission in Adelaide on the 21st of March, I was asked to outline concerns with Australian aged care and potential solutions. Here is the high level summary of...

2018/19 Budget: aged care and disability initiatives

Quality and access to long term care are a major cause for concern. Things are not going well for the Commonwealth. There are currently separate Royal Commissions into aged care and disability services.  The National Disability Insurance Scheme is significantly...
Integrated Health Groups for primary care

Integrated Health Groups for primary care

Updated: May 10, 2019 Recently I presented an overview of the policy context and opportunities for primary care in Australia to the West Australian Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA). I’ve put a link to an edited version of the presentation here. The...
Why hasn’t Australia got a sugar tax?

Why hasn’t Australia got a sugar tax?

Updated: Oct 5, 2019 Obesity is a major concern for public health. It causes significant harm for individuals and the community. Food and drink with added sugar are an important cause of obesity. Sugar Sweetened Beverages (sugary drinks) contribute significantly...