Better health and ageing for all Australians

2000-2001

Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements 2000-01 - Part C - Agency Additional Estimates Statements

These statements have been developed, and are submitted to the parliament, as a statement on the funding requirements being sought for the portfolio.

In this section:

Outcome 1: Population health and safety

To promote and protect the health of all Australians and minimise the incidence of preventable mortality, illness, injury and disability.

Measures

Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine for young adults

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine for young adults
Increase in administered appropriations
19,800
-
-
-
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-

The Government will provide funding of $19.8 million in 2000-01 to vaccinate young adults between the ages of 18 to 30 years against measles, mumps and rubella.

This initiative is consistent with Australia’s efforts to eliminate measles. Young adults in the target group are at higher risk of measles infection because they would not have been recipients of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination programme that commenced in 1994. Young adults also tend to suffer more serious complications if they do contract measles.

Subsidy of medical foods

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Subsidy of medical foods
Increase in administered appropriations
-
2,472
2,529
2,587
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
205
210
214

The Government will establish a Commonwealth programme to assist Australians suffering from inborn errors of protein metabolism to meet the high costs of purchasing essential medical foods. The foods required for these patients cost around five to ten times that of normal foods and are essential in meeting nutritional needs.

Without these foods, patients can suffer very serious health consequences, such as mental retardation. On average, the subsidy will cover approximately half the cost of these foods.
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Further information
This measure will commence early in 2001. The Department of Health and Aged Care will absorb the cost of the scheme in 2000-01 within existing resources.

Research Bio 21

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Research Bio 21
Increase in administered appropriations
-
-
-
-
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-

In July 2000, the Government provided $15 million to the Bio 21 biotechnology project. The cost will be absorbed within existing resourcing. The project will harness the biomedical research expertise at Melbourne and Monash Universities, as well as the major research institutes in Melbourne, through collaborative programmes to expand key infrastructure.

The project represents progress towards the implementation of the Wills Committee report by facilitating the coordination and grouping of biomedical research into sizeable clusters. This will enable the sharing of key infrastructure.

Prevention of Q Fever in meat and agricultural workers

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Prevention of Q fever in meat and agricultural workers
Increase in administered appropriations
1,138
2,958
455
-
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-

The Government has established a new programme of free screening and vaccination for Q fever for around 100,000 workers in the meat and livestock industries. In addition to the new funding for the vaccine component ($4.6 million over three years), the Department of Health and Aged Care will reallocate $6.0 million to this programme from within existing resourcing.

Resource summary for Outcome 1

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Table C1.1: Resource summary for Outcome 1


Table C1.1: Resource summary for Outcome 1

Table C1.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 1


Table C1.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 1Top of page

Explanation of variations

Table C1.2: Explanation of variations for Outcome 1

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Change in administered appropriations
Administered Item 1: Population health
Appropriation Bill No. 3
WHO funding

The increase in funding reflects variations to the foreign exchange rates relating to payments associated with the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organisation. Payments to these organisations are made in $US and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations, as well as variations to contribution rates determined from time to time.
1,607
1,676
1,676
1,676
Reverse rephasing approved during the 00-01 Budget process.
-9,541
-
-
-
Rephasing of Bill 1 underspend

Delays in implementation of population health initiatives.
5,259
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
586
1,256
1,785
3,390
-2,089
2,932
3,461
5,066
Appropriation Bill No. 4
Rephasing of Methadone funding

Rephasing and transfer of funding from methadone program into National Drug Strategy initiatives.
13,987
-
-
-
COAG Illicit Drug Diversion Package Supporting Measures and Hepatitis C Education and Prevention Budget Initiatives

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds due to delays in reaching agreement with States on COAG Illicit Drug Diversion Package Supporting Measures and the Hepatitis C Education and Prevention Budget initiatives.
740
43
-
-
Reverse rephasing approved during the 2000-01 Budget process.
-4,837
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
920
2,247
3,566
3,739
10,810
2,290
3,566
3,739
Change in departmental appropriations
September parameter adjustment

See explanation on p26 .
168
490
636
818
Capital use charge funding

See explanation on p26 .
266
282
284
296
Comcover premium

See explanation on p26 .
-143
-121
-118
-118
291
651
802
996
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Revised performance information and level of achievement - 2000-01

The performance information that the Department of Health and Aged Care will use to assess the level of its achievement against this additional Outcome 1 funding is shown below. This includes revision of performance information outlined in the department’s 2000-01 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Table C1.3: Department of Health and Aged Care Performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates - Outcome 1

Output groups Performance information 2000-01
1. Services to the Ministers and Parliament in relation to:
  • population health issues and strategic directions;
  • National Public Health Partnership activities;
  • legislation;
  • progress and impact of the national population health strategies;
  • inequality of health outcomes of vulnerable populations;
  • relations with World Health Organisation concerning health matters; and
  • national and international trends which pose a challenge to population health and safety.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and Ministerial requests for briefing provided.

    Agreed timeframes are met for responses to Ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefing.

    Reduction in the number and proportion of Ministerial correspondence requiring rewrites for (a) content error and (b) technical error (benchmark data will be collected in 2000-2001).
Quantity:
    780-860 responses to ministerial correspondence, 150-180 Question Time Briefs, 15-20 Parliamentary Questions on Notice and 50-60 ministerial requests for substantial briefings.

    Services to the Ministers and Parliament commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.153m
2. National leadership, including:
  • collaboration with States and Territories through the National Public Health Partnership on information, research, legislation, workforce, planning, national strategy coordination and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples;
  • national coordination of responses to disease outbreaks;
  • national leadership on Chronic Diseases Strategy;
  • provision of public health expertise to domestic and international agencies;
  • representing Australia and contributing to international WHO fora;
  • placement of WHO fellows;
  • designation of WHO collaborating centres; and
  • meeting international public health obligations covered by international treaties.
Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of Commonwealth inputs to national policy, planning and strategy development and implementation.
    Timely response to disease outbreaks and effective national response.

    WHO placements arranged to achieve optimum development of WHO fellows.

    A high level of satisfaction with the work of the collaborating centres.

    National Public Health Partnership strategic plan developed for January 2001 to December 2002.
Quantity:
    250 WHO fellows placed.

    30 WHO collaborating centres designated.
    National leadership services commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.241m
3. Information, including:
  • drawing together and disseminating best practice and evidence-based approaches to population health and safety (for example from research and information coordination activities);
  • schedules to the Departmental Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare are managed to provide quality information for example analysis of burden of disease;
  • responding to requests from, and contributing to the work of, WHO; and
  • maintenance of the immunisation register by the Health Insurance Commission.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction with relevance, quality and timeliness of information and education services by users.

    A high level of satisfaction with Australian responses and contributions to the work of international organisation and other countries.

    Timely provision of accurate monthly statements and quarterly reports from the immunisation register distributed to interested parties.
Quantity:
    12 issues of the Communicable Diseases Intelligence published.

    Schedules in the AIHW Memorandum of Understanding re-negotiated for deliverables and payment from Population Health Division.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.164m
4. Program management, including:
  • financial management and reporting on Outcome 1.
Quality:
    Budget predictions are met and actual cash flows vary by less than 5% from predicted cash flows.

    100% of payments are made accurately and on time.

    100% of acquittals are made on time.

    Accountable information for all major programs provided to the satisfaction of the Minister.
Quantity:
    In the order of 400-500 grants and contracts administered.

    A Public Health Outcome Funding Agreement agreed with each State and Territory.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.163m
5. Regulatory activity, including:
  • administration of the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act 1992 especially in relation to breaches of the Act and compliance of exemptions.
Quality:
    Applications for exemption from the prohibition of tobacco advertising processed within statutory time frames.

    Public inquiries on the administration of the Act to be dealt with promptly.

    Possible breaches of the Act investigated and appropriate action taken.
Quantity:
    Respond to 100-150 inquiries on the Act.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.008m
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Table C1.3: Therapeutic Goods Administration performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates - Outcome 1

Output groups Performance information 2000-01
1. Services to the Ministers and Parliament, including:
  • the availability and marketing of therapeutic goods in Australia; and
  • public health issues relating to national and international standards and best practice for management of chemicals.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefings provided.

    Agreed timeframes met for responses to ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefings.

    Reduction in the number and proportion of Ministerial correspondence requiring rewrites for (a) content error and (b) technical error (benchmark data will be collected in 2000-2001).
Quantity:
    580-640 responses to ministerial correspondence, 15-20 Question Time Briefs, 10-14 Parliamentary Questions on Notice and 40-50 ministerial requests for substantial briefings.
Quantity:
    Services to the Ministers and Parliament commensurate with the funds allocated.
Decrease in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $1.686m
2. National leadership, including:
  • input to setting of international standards for therapeutic goods; and
  • appropriate national policies and controls for medicines, medical devices and chemicals.
Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with consultation, quality and timeliness of Commonwealth inputs to national policy, planning and strategy development and implementation.
Quantity:
    National leadership services commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.018m
3. Information, including:
  • publication of bulletins and newsletters on regulation of medicines, medical devices and chemicals;
  • the Internet information site;
  • operation of TGA customer service feedback processes; and
  • operation of a TGA information telephone service.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of industry and consumers with the relevance, quality and timeliness of information services.

    10% growth in Internet site user sessions.
Quantity:
    Number of publications circulated, including the number of issues published per year of the following:
    • TGA News - 3 issues
    • ADRAC Bulletin - 4 issues;
    • Medical Devices Bulletin - 3 issues; and
    • Bulletin of Australian Recalls and Cancellations - 11 issues.
Decrease in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.920m
5. Regulatory activity, through:
  • pre-market assessment of therapeutic goods at a level appropriate to assessed risk;
  • licensing of manufacturers of therapeutic goods;
  • post-market surveillance and activities relating to problem reports;
  • post-approval monitoring and enforcement of compliance with the therapeutic goods regulations and compliance of manufacturers with the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice;
  • assessment and testing programs based on risk management and targeted testing;
  • pre-market assessment of chemicals and provision of advice to other agencies on the public health impact of agricultural, veterinary and industrial chemicals which takes into account national and internationally recognised standards; and
  • the establishment of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.
Quality:
    All applications for entry of products onto the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods processed within statutory or other agreed timeframes.

    All applications for entry of products onto the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods are evaluated at a level appropriate to assessed risk.

    Evaluation and appeals decisions of applications for entry of products onto the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods made within legislated timeframes, where applicable.

    All breaches of the Act investigated and appropriate action taken.

    Timely production of reports:
    • TGA Quarterly Performance and Financial Reports; and
    • Annual Report
    • The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator to be established by January 2001.
    Number of successful appeals against assessments.
Quantity:
    7,000 - 9,000 applications processed for inclusion of products on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

    At least 800 therapeutic products tested as part of post-marketing surveillance.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $1.917m
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Outcome 2: Access to Medicare

Access through Medicare to cost-effective medical services, medicines and acute health care for all Australians.

Measures

List celecoxib on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
List celecoxib on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Increase in administered appropriations
36,760
49,626
62,998
65,518
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-

The listing of celecoxib from 1 August 2000 on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will reduce the cost to consumers from approximately $60 per month to a maximum of $3.30 a month for health card holders and $20.60 for other consumers.

On 1 May 2000, celecoxib was listed on the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Further information
New drugs are recommended for PBS subsidy by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, which bases its considerations on clinical effectiveness, safety and cost effectiveness.

New Community Pharmacy Agreement (cross-portfolio measure)

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
New Community Pharmacy Agreement
Increase in administered appropriations
5,500
-5,000
-4,600
-13,300
Increase in departmental appropriations
4,400
2,000
1,300
1,000
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The Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia signed a new five-year Community Pharmacy Agreement on 16 May 2000. The Agreement began on 1 July 2000 and is expected to benefit the community as well as improve financial arrangements between pharmacists and the Government.

The Government will provide approximately $5.6 billion for pharmacists’ remuneration over the life of the Agreement. After allowing for up-front payments, the new Agreement renders savings across the forward estimates as detailed above. Key elements of the Agreement include:
  • $188 million over five years for a new Pharmacy Development Programme to support the quality of pharmacy services across Australia;
  • $114 million over five years for an extended medication management programme, to be developed in conjunction with the medical profession, to assist Australians in care and at home to properly manage medications they may receive; and
  • $76 million over five years to replace the existing $24 million dollar rural pharmacy programme to improve access to pharmacy services in rural and remote areas. This element was announced as a separate measure in the 2000-01 Budget.
Within the new Agreement, pharmacists’ remuneration has been restructured to facilitate payment for medication reviews and services provided through the Pharmacy Development Programme. Funding for these new payments has been provided for in part by reductions in mark-up and dispensing fees. There will be an $11 million commencement bonus for pharmacists in 2000-01, and growing savings over five years as the effects of reduced indexation on dispensing fees compound.

This is a cross portfolio measure between the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Exceptional Circumstances assistance for farmers in Tasmania - Central Highlands (cross-portfolio measure)

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Exceptional Circumstances assistance for farmers in Tasmania - Central Highlands
Increase in administered appropriations
26
24
-
-
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-

The Government will provide Exceptional Circumstances relief to farmers experiencing drought in the South East Quadrant of the Central Highlands region of Tasmania. Funding will total $2.3 million over three years, with $0.1 million of this funding provided in 1999-2000.

The National Rural Advisory Council recommended that Exceptional Circumstances assistance be provided to eligible farmers in this area, for a two year period from 25 May 2000.

Eligible farmers will be able to access income support payments and interest rate subsidies for 12 months whilst the exceptional circumstances declaration is in force and for a 12 month recovery period afterwards.

Further information
This is a cross portfolio measure between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Department of Family and Community Services and the Department of Health and Aged Care.
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Exceptional Circumstances assistance in Monaro B and C, and East Gippsland (cross-portfolio measure)

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Exceptional Circumstances assistance in Monaro B and C, and East Gippsland
Increase in administered appropriations
-
-
-
-
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-

The Government will provide $0.9 million in 2000-01 for Exceptional Circumstances assistance in the Monaro B and C, and East Gippsland areas. The National Rural Advisory Council has revoked the declaration of Drought Exceptional Circumstances in this region but has recommended an extension to the recovery period from six to twelve months for eligible farmers who have not yet experienced full recovery. Assistance will be given in the form of income support and interest rate subsidies.

Further information
This is a cross portfolio measure between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Department of Family and Community Services, and Department of Health and Aged Care.

The cost of this measure will be absorbed within existing resourcing.

Increased Medicare Rebate for Other Medical Practitioners

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Increased Medicare Rebate for Other Medical Practitioners
Increase in administered appropriations
3,806
8,495
9,271
9,918
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-

The Government has committed around $32 million over four years to enhance access to primary health care services in rural and remote Australia. From 1 January 2001, GP services provided by Other Medical Practitioners (OMPs) working in rural and remote Australia will attract the full Medicare Rebate.

Currently OMPs (whose qualifications do not allow them to achieve vocational registration as GPs) attract a lower Medicare rebate for consultations. This discrepancy is passed on to patients through higher out-of-pocket costs.

Modified clawback arrangements under the Australian Health Care Agreements

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Modified clawback arrangements under the Australian Health Care Agreements
Increase in administered appropriations
-
-
-
-
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-
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Under the Australian Health Care Agreements between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories, there are risk sharing arrangements based on changes in the private health insurance participation rate.

In September 1999, the Government decided to guarantee that no State or Territory would be worse off as a result of any increase in private health insurance participation rates. This was to be achieved by limiting any reduction in Commonwealth grants to the amount by which public hospital revenue from privately insured patients and veterans exceeded the revenue from these sources in 1997-98.

The Government has now agreed to further modify these arrangements to exclude public hospital revenue from veterans from these calculations. This will have the effect of further reducing the potential for any actual reductions in Commonwealth grants to the States and Territories.

This measure has no impact on the existing budget and forward estimates since no allowance has previously been made for reducing Commonwealth grants. In the absence of this measure Commonwealth grants would have been reduced by an estimated $125 million in 2000-01 and each of the next two years.

Resource summary for Outcome 2

Table C2.1: Resource summary for Outcome 2


Table C2.1: Resource summary for Outcome 2Top of page

Table C2.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 2


Table C2.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 2

Explanation of variations

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Table C2.2: Explanation of variations for Outcome 2

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Change in administered appropriations
Administered Item 1: Access to high quality and cost-effective medical services for all Australians
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Vietnam Veterans' Children Support Program

Transfer from administered to departmental.
-250
-150
-150
-150
GP Grants - PIP AND GPII

Transfer of funds from administered to departmental for HIC costs. The GPII program was due to cease at the end of December 2000 but has since been extended for another six months. The transfer of funds will cover additional departmental costs for the six month period.
-1,190
-
-
-
Alternative funding - General Practice Links

The IQP initiative announced in the 1999-2000 budget has not commenced as envisaged. It will commence on a smaller scale in 2001-2002 with the first payments made in 2002-2003. The estimate variations are in line with revised savings and expenditure forecasts.
-13,370
-25,434
-36,957
7,853
Health Services Provision

Adjustment of estimates. The Health Program Grant for the National Heart Foundation, NT was ceased in 1999-2000 as the organisation advised that it no longer provided the approved health service.
-44
-45
-46
-46
Rephasing of funds from 1999-2000

Relating to Reciprocal Health Care, General Practice Links, Practice Incentive Program, GPII, Pathology Reform and Diagnostic Imaging Reform
7,449
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
110
254
439
394
-7,295
-25,375
-36,714
8,051
Appropriation Bill No. 4
Health Program Grants - Pathology Services

Adjustment to Bill 2 HPG funding with a corresponding decrease in Medicare Benefits Special Appropriation to reflect delays in IMVS and PathCentre claiming 70% of pathology services via MBS. At the time of the Budget it was estimated that these two organisations would be claiming via the MBS from 1 July 2000. Due to protracted negotiations the commencement date is 1 October 2000.
8,803
-
-
-
Rephasing of funds from 1999-2000

Rephasing relates to Kosovar and East Timorese Health Services.
1,200
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
3
25
35
47
10,006
25
35
47
Administered Item 2: Access to high quality and cost-effective medicines for all Australians
Appropriation Bill No. 3
New Community Pharmacy Agreement

Measure - offsetting savings are included in the PBS Special Appropriation. See explanation
31,622
34,620
59,700
67,350
Pharmacy Development Program

Rephasing of funds within capped program.
28,600
-
-14,300
-14,300
Rephasing of funds from 1999-2000

Rephasing relates to pharmaceutical projects and activities.
790
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
22
66
94
124
61,034
34,686
45,494
53,174
Administered Item 3: Access to public hospital services for public patients
Appropriation Bill No. 3
September parameter adjustment
8
-
-
-
Appropriation Bill No. 4
September parameter adjustment
10
26
37
48
Change in departmental appropriations
Vietnam Veterans' Children Support Program

Transfer from Administered to Departmental.
250
150
150
150
GP Grants - PIP AND GPII

Transfer of funds from administered to departmental for HIC costs. See explanation above.
1,190
-
-
-
New Community Pharmacy Agreement

Measure. See explanation .
4,370
1,987
1,291
994
September parameter adjustment

See explanation.
144
505
618
770
Capital use charge funding

See explanation.
1,002
1,286
1,337
1,397
Comcover premium

See explanation.
-112
-152
-149
-152
6,844
3,776
3,247
3,159
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Revised performance information and level of achievement - 2000-01

The performance information that the Department of Health and Aged Care will use to assess the level of its achievement against this additional Outcome 2 funding is shown below. This includes revision of performance information outlined in the department’s 2000-01 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Table C2.3: Performance information for administered items affected by additional estimates - Outcome 2

Administered items Performance information 2000-01
1. Access to high quality and cost-effective medical services for all Australians:
  • national insurance for medical services through the Medicare Benefits Schedule;





  • alternative funding for General Practice; and




  • development and support of other medical services related to the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
Quantity:
    Rebates will be provided for an estimated 214 million medical services.

    Rebates will be provided for an estimated 11 medical services per capita.
Efficiency:
    An estimated 67% of MBS expenses will be subject to financing agreements with the medical profession.
Quality:
    All new entrants into the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) after 12 January 2001 must be accredited within 12 months of joining the Program.
Quantity:
    The number of practices taking up the new outcomes based elements of the PIP (such as teaching and participation in activities approved by the National Prescribing Service), available from May 2000.
Quality:
    100% of new medical services listed for funding under the MBS have been assessed for evidence of safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness (see also departmental output group 6).
Increase in cost at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $77.985m
2. Access to high quality and cost-effective medicines for all Australians:
  • national insurance for access to medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule;






  • development and support of other pharmaceutical services related to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule; and


  • funding for improving the quality of pharmacy services.
Quantity:
    An estimated 145.2 million PBS prescriptions will be supplied for general and concessional patients.

    An estimated 7.6 PBS prescriptions per capita will be supplied.
Efficiency:
    Total cost of price increases to PBS drugs approved by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Pricing Authority compared with a $19m increase in 1998-1999 and increases in previous year.
Quality:
    Percentage of PBS benefits paid for pharmaceuticals listed following evidence based assessment of comparative effectiveness and cost.
Efficiency:
    Pharmacist remuneration as a proportion of general and concessional outlays.
Quality:
    Increase in the proportion of pharmacies that are accredited under the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP).
Quantity:
    Number of pharmacies accessing the incentive payments offered under the Pharmacy Development Program to improve the quality of pharmacy services.
Increase in cost at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $82.550m
3. Access to public hospital services for public patients.Quality:
    All States and Territories maintain, or improve, their performance levels for emergency department and elective surgery waiting times at no less than 1 July 1998 levels.
Quantity:
    An estimated national average of 281 public patient weighted separations per 1,000 applicable weighted population.
Increase in cost at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $66.013m
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Table C2.4: Performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates - Outcome 2

Output groups Performance information 2000-01
1. Services to the Ministers and Parliament, including:
  • implementation of 2000-2001 Budget measures;
  • development of 2001-2002 Budget measures that contribute to Government’s fiscal and health objectives;
  • advice to the Minister on financing arrangements in health; and
  • consideration of future directions for MBS, PBS and the Australian Health Care Agreements.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefings provided.

    Agreed time frames are met for responses to Ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefing.

    Reduction in the number and proportion of Ministerial correspondence requiring rewrites for (a) content error and (b) technical error (benchmark data will be collected in 2000-2001).
Quantity:
    3,350-3,450 responses to Ministerial correspondence, 150-180 Question Time Briefs,
    20-30 Parliamentary Questions on Notice and 50-60 ministerial requests for substantial briefings.

    Services to the Minister and Parliament commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.242m
2. National leadership, especially in relation to financing agreements with the medical and pharmaceutical profession and State and Territory governments. Including:
  • continued implementation of the Australian Health Care Agreements, the Diagnostic Imaging Agreement, the Pathology Agreement, and the General Practice Memorandum of Understanding; and
  • development of reform options under Part 5 of the Australian Health Care Agreements.
Quality:
    Stakeholders views on the department’s contribution to the development of national policy, planning and strategy development and implementation.
Quantity:
    National leadership services commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.517m
3. Information
  • Proposed information activities include:
  • New Enhanced Primary Care MBS items;
  • Better Medication Management System for Australia; and
  • The Australian Prescriber.
  • Production of the Medicare Benefits Schedule and supplements covering approximately 4,000 individual items.
  • Production of the PBS schedule and supplements covering approximately 2,200 individual drug products.
Quality:
    Information campaigns conducted during the year are evaluated as being effective.

    Production of the Medicare Benefits Schedule by 1 November 2000.

    Revision of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule by 1 August 2000, 1 November 2000, 1 February 2001 and 1 May 2001.
Quantity:
    An estimated 27,700 calls to the PBS Information Line.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.291m
4. Program management, including:
  • managing the MBS and PBS estimates;
  • making payments to the States and Territories under the Australian Health Care Agreements;
  • management of contracts to support policy development;
  • administration of grant programs;
  • financial management and reporting on Outcome 2;
  • managing funds provided to the Health Insurance Commission for Medicare services under the Output Pricing Agreement (OPA) (see Output 6);
  • successful management with the Health Insurance Commission of the development of the new Better Medication Management System for Australia;
  • successful implementation of all other Budget initiatives; and
  • implementation of the third Community Pharmacy Agreement.
Quality:
    Budget predictions are met and actual cash flows vary less than 5% from predicted cash flows.

    100% of payments are made accurately and on time.

    100% of acquittals are made on time.

    Successful development work on the new Better Medication Management System for Australia, with full stakeholder support.

    Timely implementation of each of the initiatives contained in the third Community Pharmacy Agreement.
Quantity:
    Dollars administered via the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the HIC and the HIC Output Pricing Agreement (OPA) with HIC and Department of Finance and Administration. The HIC OPA is $327.5m for 1999-2000.

    Approximately 66 grants, 53 consultancies/contracts and 39 funding agreements administered (based on 1999-2000 figures).
Efficiency:
    Departmental expenses allocated to managing the agreement with the HIC as a percentage of Departmental expenses for the HIC Output Pricing Agreement to administer the MBS and PBS.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $5.623m
5. Regulatory activity, including:
  • ongoing development and maintenance of the MBS schedule; and
  • ongoing development and maintenance of the PBS schedule.
Quality:
    All applications for listing on the PBS have been assessed for evidence of safety, effectiveness and cost effectiveness.

    All applications for listing on the MBS have been assessed for evidence of safety, effectiveness and cost effectiveness.

    Time taken to assess applications to the Medicare Services Advisory Committee for public funding new medical services, as compared with an average of 13 months to assess applications finalised in 1998-1999.

    Time taken to process new applications for listing in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule. In 1998-1999 all applications received by the due date were dealt with by the next Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). All positive PBAC recommendations were dealt with by the next Pharmaceutical Benefits Pricing Authority meeting.
Quantity:
    Number of new listings on the MBS. There were 104 new listings in 1998-1999,

    Item descriptors amended on the MBS. There were 176 descriptors amended in 1998-1999.

    Number of new listings on the PBS. There were 184 new listings in 1998-1999.

    Number of listings amended on the PBS. There were 229 listings amended in 1998-1999.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.084m
Top of page

Outcome 3: Enhanced quality of life for older Australians

Support for healthy ageing for older Australians and quality and cost-effective care for frail older people and support for their carers.

Measures

Establishment of the Office of the Commissioner for Complaints

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Establishment of the Office of the Commissioner for Complaints
Increase in administered appropriations
-
-
-
-
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-

The Government has established the Office of the Commissioner for Complaints as part of the further progression of its aged care reforms. The Department of Health and Aged Care will reallocate up to $300,000 per year to resource the Office from within existing administered and departmental funding.

The Office will oversight the operation of the Aged Care Complaints Resolution Scheme, and an important part of the Commissioner’s role will be to promote public confidence in the Scheme.

Resource summary for Outcome 3

Table C3.1: Resource summary for Outcome 3


Table C3.1: Resource summary for Outcome 3Top of page

Table C3.1: Resource summary for Outcome 3 (cont)


Table C3.1: Resource summary for Outcome 3 (cont)

Explanation of variations

Table C3.2: Explanation of variations for Outcome 3

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Changes to administered appropriations
Administered Item 1: Healthy lifestyles for older Australians
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Restatement of opening balances
100
-50
-
-
Administered Item 2: Community care and support for carers
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Carelink

Delays in the implementation of the Carelink program have led to the need for the rephasing of funds allocated for one-off start up costs.
2,595
-
-
-
Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged

In 1998-99 the Department suspended funding to an organisation providing ACHA services in Queensland, and the funding of $26,193 to this organisation has been terminated. The Department is currently seeking a new provider to provide the service that this organisation was to provide. Therefore additional funds in 2000-01 are required for establishment costs above recurrent costs to establish this service in a timely manner.
26
-
-
-
Community Care Establishment Grants

The number of Community Care Establishment Grants in 1999-2000 was less than anticipated. The number of Grants in 2000-01 is expected to be higher due to the increased number of Community Aged Care Packages allocated in the 2000 Aged Care Approvals Round.
6,489
-
-
-
National Respite for Carers

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds to allow the full number of expanded and new services to be established and operated in line with the Government's election and budget commitment. In addition $138,000 is required for expenditure related to a workshop conducted in June 2000 with invoices payable in July 2000 and agreed strategies to be implemented during 2000. \
4,138
4,000
4,000
-
Carer Support Strategy

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds is required to pay for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Carers Kits.
72
-
-
-
September parameter update
343
960
1,369
2,186
Restatement of opening balances
-94
-94
14
15
13,569
5,010
5,383
2,201
Appropriation Bill No. 4
September parameter update
1,673
6,014
8,451
11,241
Administered Item 3: Residential care
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multipurpose Service Centres

This amount is required to fund capital Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander projects during 2000-01 as agreed in the signed agreements.
3,655
-
-
-
National Secretariat for the Alzheimer's Association

Transfer of funding from Outcome 3 to Outcome 9 to fund the Alzheimer's Association Australia for National Secretariat Services. This funding has been agreed for 3 years only commencing in 2000-01.
-132
-
-
-
Community Visitors Scheme

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds to meet an additional need identified for promotional material in 2000-01.
4
-
-
-
User Rights

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds to service outstanding commitments. Part of the underspend was due to a delay in Depression projects to ensure appropriate consultation had occurred.
481
-
-
-
Continence Management

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds is required, in part, to pay out commitments made in 1999-2000. In addition, funding is required to cover projects that were postponed to 2000-01 based on advice from the Expert Advisory Committee. A further amount is needed to provide "top-up" funding originating from a decision from the Minister on 18 June 2000 to ensure continuation of services from the Continence Management program for eligible Continence Aids Assistance Scheme clients.
3,991
-
-
-
Industry Restructuring

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds due to slippage in the 1999 approvals round following the 1998 Election. Delays in developing and implementing complex restructuring proposals, many of which involved construction work.
8,794
-
-
-
Complaints Resolution Scheme

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds is required to ensure that the Complaints Resolution Scheme can offer the level of service expected by the community due to an increased demand for services.
20
-
-
-
Services to rural, remote and other special needs groups.

Additional ongoing funding for the Italian and Greek Welfare Organisation.
208
208
208
208
September parameter update
193
441
627
791
Restatement of opening balances
-33
211
-52
1,112
17,180
860
783
2,111
Administered Item 4: Client Assessment by Aged Care Assessment Teams and referral to appropriate services
Appropriation Bill No. 4
September parameter update
205
532
751
976
Restatement of opening balances
-1
-
-
-
204
532
751
976
Changes to departmental appropriations
September parameter adjustment

See explanation.
272
901
1,195
1,518
Capital use charge funding

See explanation .
205
240
247
258
Comcover premium

See explanation.
-252
-259
-258
-259
226
882
1,184
1,517
Top of page

Revised performance information and level of achievement - 2000-01

The performance information that the Department of Health and Aged Care will use to assess the level of its achievement against this additional Outcome 3 funding is shown below. This includes revision of performance information outlined in the Department’s 2000-01 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Table C3.3: Performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates - Outcome 3

Output groups Performance information 2000-01
1. Services to the Minister and Parliament in relation to:
  • effective and efficient residential care services;
  • implementation of service standards including certification and accreditation;
  • effective and efficient community care services;
  • equitable allocation and targeting of services;
  • support for clients and carers;
  • Commonwealth-State relations in the aged care field;
  • long term trends and developments related to population ageing and policy settings affecting older people; national issues of concern to, and affecting the well-being of, older people;
  • the annual report to Parliament on the operations of the Aged Care Act 1997; and
  • two year review into the impact of structural reforms.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefings provided.

    Agreed timeframes are met for responses to Ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice, and ministerial requests for briefing.

    Submission to the Minister of the annual report on the operations of the Aged Care Act 1997 by 30 September 2000.

    Reduction in the number and proportion of Ministerial correspondence requiring rewrites for (a) content error and (b) technical error (benchmark data will be collected in 2000-2001).
Quantity:
    2,820-2,910 responses to Ministerial correspondence, 420-460 Question Time Briefs, 55-65 Parliamentary Questions on Notice and
    300-350 ministerial requests for substantial briefings.

    Services to the Minister and Parliament commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at Additional Estimates 2000-01: $0.044m
2. National leadership, including:
  • a National Strategy for an Ageing Australia;
  • enhanced policy and program responses to the health and well being needs of older Australians;
  • Commonwealth, State and Territory Strategy on Healthy Ageing;
  • national projects on carers, caring and community care; national approaches to continuity of care for individuals across health and aged care services; and
  • effective and wide ranging consultation.
Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of Commonwealth inputs to national policy, planning and strategy development and implementation.

    Promotion of positive images of older Australians in the media and the community in general measured by attitudinal surveys.

    Development by December 2000 of a strategic national framework encompassing major policy areas affected by population ageing.

    Opportunity for community groups to participate in the development of national policy.
Quantity:
    Up to 10 people in each Federal electorate receiving Commonwealth Recognition Awards for Older Australians.

    National leadership services commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at Additional Estimates 2000-01: $0.020m
3. Information and training support through:
  • provision of information to service providers including on quality standards and business operations matters;
  • provision of information about aged care services;
  • consultative processes with stakeholders; and
  • monitoring attitudes in the community.
Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with relevance, quality and timeliness of information and education services.
Quantity:
    99% of residential care service providers are provided with information and training support on quality standards and business operations.

    99% of service providers are provided with brochures, fact sheets, mailfaxes, and other information products they request (consumers receive on request).
Manuals
    Between 2 and 4 revisions (as required) of the following manuals:
    • Residential Care Manual; and
    • Documentation and Accountability Manual
    (for each revision, there are approximately 3,800 recipients).
    Approximately 600 new copies of each of the following manuals distributed (based on 1999-2000 figures):
    • Standards and Guidelines for Residential Care Services;
    • OH&S Manual;
    • Standards and Guidelines for Community Care Services;
    • Residential Care Manual; and
    • Documentation and Accountability Manual.
    Priced Publications (Aged Care Evaluation Series and Other Reports)
    • 40 - 44 publications.
    Newsletters
    • Up to 4 Aged Care Newsletters published (11,200 recipients); and
    • 1-2 Resident Classification Scale newsletters published (3,300 recipients).
    Mailfaxes
    • 20-25 per annum.
    Aged Care Info Products
    • English - 29-38 Products (pamphlet, brochures, information sheets and booklets).
    • Translations - 65-91 Products.
    • Website - 1 complete update and ongoing daily updating as required.
    • Information Line - 35,000 to 40,000 calls per annum.
Increase in price at Additional Estimates 2000-01: $0.023m
4. Program management, including:
  • monitoring and payments to States and Territories, service providers and clients, Carer Resource and Respite Centres;
  • administering HACC funding agreements; and
  • financial management and reporting on Outcome 3.
Quality:
    Budget predictions are met and actual cash flows vary less than 5% from predicted cash flows.

    100% of payments are made accurately and on time.

    100% of acquittals are made on time.
Quantity:
    26 Funding Agreements with States and Territories.

    1140-1155 contracts with organisations.

    42-54 consultancy contracts.
Increase in price at Additional Estimates 2000-01: $0.104m
5. Regulatory activity, including:
  • review and adjustment of legislation as required;
  • processing hardship applications;
  • resolution of appeals against hardship applications decisions;
  • implementation of Quality Care Principles;
  • Resident Classification Scale (RCS) regulatory audits;
  • resolution of appeals from pre-Aged Care Structural Reform funding arrangements; and
  • ongoing consultation with providers and review of the level of regulation.
Quality:
    Appeals against Aged Care Assessment Teams assessments processed within maximum period of 90 days.

    Appeals against Resident Classification Scale regulatory audits processed within maximum period of 90 days.

    Approximately 26 internal appeals against hardship decisions (1999 figure representing 4.5% of total applications received for that year).

    Breaches of Acts investigated and appropriate action taken.

    All providers comply with Rules of Conduct and Standards.
Quantity:
    One amendment to the Aged Care Act, and amendments to 13-15 sets of Principles.

    Estimate of 20,000 Residential Classification Scale audits conducted in 2000-2001.

    All internal funding decision appeals made to 30 September 1997 finalised.

    Estimate of 700 internal Resident Classification reviews handled.

    All external AAT appeals in relation to pre 30 September 1997 funding finalised, subject to AAT timelines.

    External AAT appeals on RCS audits responded to within AAT timeframes.

    Estimate of 600 hardship applications processed.
Increase in price at Additional Estimates 2000-01: $0.039m
Top of page

Outcome 4: Quality health care

Improved quality, integration and effectiveness of health care.

Resource summary for Outcome 4

Table C4.1: Resource summary for Outcome 4


Table C4.1: Resource summary for Outcome 4Top of page

Table C4.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 4


Table C4.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 4

Explanation of variations

Table C4.2: Explanation of variations for Outcome 4

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Change in administered appropriations
Administered Item 1: Primary care strategies
Appropriation Bill No. 3
GP Infrastructure, Training and Support

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds is required to cover our commitments already made, and to ensure compliance with the Government’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the General Practice profession.
10,965
-
-
-
Allied Health Services

Movement of the Allied Health Service program from Outcome 5 to Outcome 4.
10,000
11,187
12,399
14,697
September parameter adjustment
1,292
3,351
5,045
6,798
22,257
14,538
17,444
21,495
Administered Item 2: Integrated and coordinated care strategies
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Coordinated Care Trials

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds due to delays associated with: the closure of the 1st round coordinated care trials; the process for the 2nd round coordinated care trials relating to the selection of shortlist of applicants to proceed to the detailed design phase; and getting the short-listed applicants through the detailed design phase.
9,301
-
-
-
Coordinated Care Trials

Transfer of MBS and PBS funds to the Coordinated Care Trials. These funds are based on the capitation rates used in the first round of trials.
25,505
47,645
47,656
22,180
Helping GPs Participate in Multidisciplinary Planning

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds are required to meet expenses relating to the various projects coordinated by the state-based offices of the Divisions of General Practice.
66
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
281
777
1,014
756
35,153
48,422
48,670
22,936
Administered Item 3: Acute care strategies
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Establishment of Musculoskeletal Clinics

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds is necessary due to unavoidable delays in the establishment of clinics funded to develop and trial guidelines.
862
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
36
52
78
104
898
52
78
104
Appropriation Bill No. 4
Blood Transfusion Service - Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Litigation Costs

Additional funding required to meet the estimated costs of Hepatitis C litigation.
6,111
5,726
-
-
Blood Transfusion Service - National Managed Fund

Provision for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service budget allocation for the Commonwealth's contribution to the operating costs of the NMF.
588
1,058
1,686
2,000
Blood Transfusion Service - National Effort to Increase Donor Recruitment

Additional funding to assist the Australian Red Cross Blood Service with its national effort to increase donor recruitment and retention rates.
1,614
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment and correction
-124
-365
-370
-379
8,189
6,419
1,316
1,621
Administered Item 4: Mental health strategies
Appropriation Bill No. 3
National Mental Health Program

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds. Expenditure under the NMHP fell behind schedule because of a failure of take-up for some identified projects by external stakeholders.
846
-
-
-
National Suicide Prevention Strategy

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds. Unavoidable overruns of evaluation of projects established under the National Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy has resulted in delays in the establishment of a new policy framework for the expanded National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS). Funds were also committed to the department's State and Territory offices in 1999-2000 under the NSPS to support community projects but due to contractual delays these were not fully expensed in 1999-2000.
5,476
-
-
-
National Depression Initiative

The National Depression Initiative provides for a Commonwealth contribution of $3.5m per annum over 5 years. $1m of this has been moved from Outcome 9.
1,000
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
135
177
254
330
7,457
177
254
330
Change in departmental appropriations
National Demonstration Hospitals Program

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds is necessary due to unavoidable delays in commitments associated with evaluation of the program.
240
-
-
-
GP Infrastructure, Training and Support

See explanation on previous page.
500
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment

See explanation .
118
355
454
540
Capital use charge funding

See explanation .
88
91
91
95
Comcover premium

See explanation .
-88
-46
-44
-44
Re-allocation of funds between Outcomes

Re-allocation of funds from Outcome 4 to Outcome 5.
-175
-
-
-
683
400
501
591
Top of page

Revised performance information and level of achievement - 2000-01

The performance information that the Department of Health and Aged Care will use to assess the level of its achievement against this additional Outcome 4 funding is shown below. This includes revision of performance information outlined in the department’s 2000-01 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Table C4.3: Performance information for administered items affected by additional estimates - Outcome 4

Administered items Performance information 2000-01
1. Primary care strategies:
  • General Practice Memorandum of Understanding;
  • accreditation of general practices;
  • number of Divisions funded and increased number of general practitioners involved with Divisions;
  • Divisions meeting funding agreement outcomes including achieving outcomes in the Division's infrastructure, outcomes of services provided by the Division to GPs and by the GPs to their patients and population health;
  • GP Registrar Training Program providing education and training of general practitioners at undergraduate and postgraduate level and supporting this training with the New Training Arrangements that commenced
  • 1 January 1999;
  • strategies to support retention of GPs in rural and remote areas;
  • Rural Women's GP Service (formerly Fly-in Fly-out Female GP Service) - provides regular female GP services in rural areas; and
  • Allied Health Services program
Quality:
    Greater engagement by GPs in Population Health strategies by June 2001.

    Practice accreditation organisations facilitate and encourage the re-accreditation process.

    Implementation of the Index for integration of General Practice with primary health care commenced by December 2000 with 80% coverage of Divisions by December 2001.

    Divisions of General Practice are meeting the terms of the June 1999 to June 2002 funding agreements.

    Medical Schools increase the range and availability of undergraduate education and training in rural general practice.

    Establishment of the Allied Health Services.
Quantity:
    123 Divisions funded are involving 50% of GPs.

    More than 1500 rural GPs paid under the Rural Retention Program.

    An increase in the number of GP Registrars employed under minimum terms and conditions as specified in the New Training Arrangements.

    An increase in the number of Rural training terms being undertaken by GPs enrolled in the GP Registrar Training Program.

    An increase in the number of GP Registrars enrolled in the GP Registrar Training Program undertaking more than one term.

    150 communities across the States and Northern Territory are receiving services under Rural Women's GP Service initiative.

    Increase in the number of allied health professionals in rural communities.
Increase in cost at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $22.257m
Top of page

Table C4.4: Performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates - Outcome 4

Output Groups Performance information 2000-01
1. Services to the Minister and Parliament in relation to:
  • new funding arrangements and progress on structural reform;
  • national issues of concern relating to the integration and coordination of health services; and
  • continuous quality improvement; delivery of health services to maximise health reforms; and the development of health policy.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefings provided.

    Agreed time frames are met for responses to Ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefing.

    Reduction in the number and proportion of Ministerial correspondence requiring rewrites for (a) content error and (b) technical error (benchmark data will be collected in 2000-2001).
Quantity:
    920-1000 responses to Ministerial correspondence, 110-130 Question Time Briefs,
    4-6 Parliamentary Questions on Notice and 60-80 ministerial requests for substantial briefings.

    Services to the Minsters and Parliament commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.502m
2. National leadership, including:
  • promoting continuous quality improvement and evidence-based medicine to foster high quality and cost effective services;
  • providing the health care industry with nationally consistent methods of classifying different forms of health care, and associated costs;
  • expanding and improving partnerships in health reform;
  • increasing consumer and community involvement in health services planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation in Australia;
  • expanding the National Mental Health Strategy activities to the private sector;
  • strengthening Australia’s primary health care sector by developing an agreed policy framework and working arrangements to foster collaboration between key players;
  • coordinating the development of measures to achieve the Prime Minister’s commitments on improved care for older Australians; and
  • managing with States, Territories and key stakeholders ongoing Coordinated Care Trials.
Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of Commonwealth inputs to national policy, planning and strategy development and implementation.
Quantity:
    59 meetings held relating to national strategy development and implementation.

    162 organisations and/or stakeholders consulted.

    1,360 attendees at seminars, conferences, forums or meetings.

    2 research projects coordinated.

    National leadership services commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.001m
4. Program Management including:
  • suitable project approvals in line with agreed strategic plans and service development;
  • payments under funding agreements;
  • types of areas:
  • Grant programs;
  • Mental Health issues;
  • Acute and coordinated care issues;
  • Information technology issues;and
  • GP issues; and
  • financial management and reporting for outcome 4.
Quality:
    Budget predictions are met and actual cash flows vary by less than 5% from predicted cash flows.

    100% of payments are made accurately and on time.

    100% of acquittals are made on time.

    High stakeholder satisfaction with planning and implementation of new service/project development.

    Satisfactory delivery of business partnerships agreements as specified in service arrangements.
Quantity:
    127 contracts;

    15 grants; and

    24 consultancies.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.241m
Top of page

Outcome 5: Rural health care

Improved health outcomes for Australians living in regional, rural and remote locations.

Resource summary for Outcome 5

Table C5.1: Resource summary for Outcome 5


Table C5.1: Resource summary for Outcome 5Top of page

Explanation of variations

Table C5.2: Explanation of variations for Outcome 5

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Change in administered appropriations
Administered Item 1: Support, education and training for health workers
Appropriation Bill No. 3
National Rural and Remote Health Support Services - RHSET & Specialists

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds. Funds will be expended upon supply of progress, final and financial reports from grantees. These reports are expected to be supplied during 2000-01.
683
Allied Health Services

Movement of the Allied Health Service program from Outcome 5 to Outcome 4.
-10,000
-11,187
-12,399
-14,697
Rural Communication Strategy

The 2000/01 Budget allocated $4.0m over four years to provide a communication strategy to ensure that rural and regional communities are fully informed of the range of initiatives that are available through the Regional Health Strategy. To allow the Department to better manage information dissemination it has been decided to deliver the communication strategy from within the Department. This requires a transfer of funds from Administered to Departmental.
-2,000
-1,000
-500
-500
Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance

During the 2000-01 Budget Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance was allocated to Administered Item 2 - Regional Health Services. This is more appropriately allocated in Administered Item 1- Support, Education and Training for Health Workers.
3,540
12,204
12,399
12,598
September parameter adjustment
776
1,876
3,004
4,188
-7,001
1,893
2,504
1,589
Administered Item 2: Regional health services
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Regional Health Services Program

Rephasing of 1999-2000 funds. Whilst communities have been identified for service development, these communities are undertaking the necessary planning and consultative processes to lead to the development and funding of specific health services.
2,660
Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance

See explanation above.
-3,540
-12,204
-12,399
-12,598
September parameter adjustment
111
173
278
390
-769
-12,031
-12,121
-12,208
Change in departmental appropriations
Rural Communication Strategy

See explanation above.
2,000
1,000
500
500
September parameter adjustment

See explanation .
44
133
164
205
Capital use charge funding

See explanation.
28
31
31
32
Comcover premium

See explanation.
-28
-35
-36
-33
Re-allocation of funds between Outcomes

Re-allocations of funds from Outcome 4 to Outcome 5.
175
2,219
1,129
659
704
Top of page

Revised performance information and level of achievement - 2000-01

The performance information that the Department of Health and Aged Care will use to assess the level of its achievement against this additional Outcome 5 funding is shown below. This includes revision of performance information outlined in the department’s 2000-01 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Table C5.3: Performance information for administered items affected by additional estimates - Outcome 5

Administered items Performance information 2000-01
1. Support, education and training for health workers
  • National Rural and Remote Health Support Services Program:
  • Royal Flying Doctor Service;
  • Rural Health Support Education and Training [RHSET];
  • Advanced Specialist Training Posts in Rural Areas Initiative;
  • Rural Surgical Training;
  • Rural Specialist Locums;
  • Australian Remote and Rural Nursing Scholarship Scheme;
  • Rural and Remote Pharmacy Workforce Development;
  • Rural and Remote Midwifery Up-skilling;
  • First Line Emergency Care; and
  • Bush Crisis Line.















  • Medical Specialist Outreach Program
  • University Departments of Rural Health Program
Quality:
    Improved first line emergency skills for rural and remote health professionals.

    Increased level of midwifery skills for rural and remote midwives.

    Greater availability of pharmacists for locums in rural and remote areas.
Quantity:
    First Line Emergency Care Program: 160 remote nurses and other health workers to receive upskilling in remote emergency care in 2000-2001.

    Bush Crisis Line: provision of telephone counselling to 300 nurses and other health workers in 2000-2001.

    RHSET: fund up to 50 new grants to the value of $1.5 million to provide support, education and training to rural health workers.

    Australian Remote and Rural Nursing Scholarship Scheme: provide up to 300 scholarships to registered and enrolled nurses working in rural and remote locations.

    Midwifery Upskilling Program: provide refresher training to up to 600 rural and remote midwives throughout Australia.

    Pharmacy Workforce Development Program: provide up to 100 rural placement scholarships to undergraduate pharmacy students.

    Royal Flying Doctor Service: achieve a 2% increase in the total number of remote consultations by telephone, radio and field clinics. Establishment of up to 10 specialist training posts in rural areas in 2000-2001.
Quality:
    Establishment of the Medical Specialist Outreach Program
Quantity:
    Continued support for 7 University Departments of Rural Health.

    Establishment of one new University Department of Rural Health.
Decrease in cost at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $7.001m
2. Regional health servicesQuality:
    All Regional Health Services comply with service agreements, meet identified community needs and have a quality improvement framework.
Quantity:
    At least 35 Regional Health Services approved, of which at least 12 will include an aged care component.
Decrease in cost at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.769m
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Table C5.4: Performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates Outcome 5

Output groups Performance information 2000-01
1. Services to the Ministers and Parliament on a wide range of issues related to rural health, including:
  • policy advice on strategic directions for rural health;
  • advice on cross-Portfolio and cross-jurisdictional rural health issues; and
  • coordinate rural health policy development and implementation within Portfolio.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefings provided.

    Agreed time frames are met for responses to Ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefing.

    Reduction in the number and proportion of Ministerial correspondence requiring rewrites for (a) content error and (b) technical error (benchmark data will be collected in 2000-2001).
Quantity:
    280-320 responses to ministerial correspondence, 20-25 Question Time Briefs, 4-6 Parliamentary Questions on Notice and 20-30 ministerial requests for substantial briefings.

    Services to the Ministers and Parliament commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.060m
2. National leadership role in relation to:
  • collaborative approaches to improving access to health services in rural Australia, involving other Commonwealth agencies, State and local governments, and professional and community groups.
Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of Commonwealth inputs to national rural health policy issues, as evidenced by feedback at regular stakeholder meetings.
Quantity:
    National leadership services commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.045m
3. Information, including:
  • production and dissemination of information on services and activities relating to rural health; and
  • development and monitoring of national rural health performance indicators.
 Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with quality and timeliness of information services.
Quantity:
    Maintenance of a rural health website.

    Publication of a newsletter and other information products on a regular basis.

    Publication of performance against a set of performance indicators for rural health.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $2.029m
4. Program management in relation to:
  • implementation of Budget reforms;
  • National Rural and Remote Health Support Services Program;
  • University Departments of Rural Health;
  • Regional Health Services Program; and
  • financial management and reporting on Outcome 5.
Quality:
    Budget projections are met and actual cash flows vary less than 5% from predicted cash flows.

    100% of payments are made accurately and on time.

    100% of acquittals are made on time.
Quantity:
    Approximately 140 grants, approximately 120 service agreements with Regional Health Services, and 7 bilateral agreements with the States and Territories administered.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.094m
Top of page

Outcome 6: Hearing services

To reduce the consequence of hearing loss for eligible clients and the incidence of hearing loss in the broader community.

Measures

Introduction of parity pricing in the Hearing Services Programme

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Introduction of parity pricing in the Hearing Services Programme
Increase in administered appropriations
8,410
8,520
8,900
8,900
Increase in departmental appropriations
-
-
-
-

The Government will provide the Department of Health and Aged Care with additional funding to ensure that Government Business Enterprise and Competitive Neutrality policies are fully implemented within the Commonwealth Hearing Services Programme, particularly through ensuring that all providers, both public and private, receive the same remuneration for hearing devices and hearing services.

Further information
The Government’s Hearing Services Programme is administered by the Office of Hearing Services (OHS). Eligible clients can obtain free hearing services through the OHS Voucher System by redeeming their vouchers with any accredited service provider.

Resource summary for Outcome 6

Table C6.1: Resource summary for Outcome 6


Table C6.1: Resource summary for Outcome 6Top of page

Explanation of variations

Table C6.2: Explanation of variations for Outcome 6

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Change in administered appropriations
Administered Item 1: Provision of services for contestable clients
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Measure - Introduction of parity pricing in the Hearing Services Programme

See explanation		 8,410 8,520 8,900 8,900
September parameter adjustment 573 1,480 2,186 2,905
8,983 10,000 11,086 11,805
Administered Item 2: Provision of Community Service Obligations
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Replacement of Speech Processors for Children with Cochlear Implants

The Australian Hearing Services (AHS) have advised that the Esprit 22 ear level speech processor used for cochlear ear implants is now available and that there is an anticipated high initial demand for this product. As a result AHS anticipate a bulge in demand in 2000-01 with a consequent decline in the outyears. 		460 -230 -230-
September parameter adjustment 144 336 485 644
604 106 255 644
Change in departmental appropriations
September parameter adjustment

See explanation		 33 117 153 194
Capital use charge funding

See explanation 		24 31 31 33
Comcover premium

See explanation		 -22 -22 -21 -22
35 126 163 205
Top of page

Revised performance information and level of achievement - 2000-01

The performance information that the Department of Health and Aged Care will use to assess the level of its achievement against this additional Outcome 6 funding is shown below. This includes revision of performance information outlined in the department’s 2000-01 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Table C6.3: Performance information for administered items affected by additional estimates Outcome 6

Administered items Performance information 2000-01
1. Provision of services for contestable clients, including:
  • those in receipt of a pensioner concession card, DVA Gold and White Repatriation card holders (specifically for war related hearing loss), Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service program participants, Sickness Allowees, and Defence Force personnel.
Quality:
    The extent to which client satisfaction levels with hearing services are maintained or improved compared to the last survey (ie 91% very satisfied or satisfied).
Quantity:
    All eligible clients who apply for a voucher receive one (estimated at 120,000 – 130,000 vouchers per year).
Efficiency:
    Maintain or reduce the existing average unit cost per voucher ($714 for 1999-2000).

    Existing average maintenance liability to be maintained or reduced ($114 per unit for 1999-2000).
Increase in cost at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $8.41m
Top of page

Table C6.4: Performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates Outcome 6

Output groups Performance information 2000-01
1. Services to the Minister and Parliament in relation to:
  • funding arrangements for the voucher system and Community Service Obligations;
  • enhancements to quality assurance arrangements;
  • the impact of new hearing aid technology on the program; and
  • other Hearing Services Program policy-related issues that arise from time to time.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for substantial briefings provided.

    Reduction in the number and proportion of Ministerial correspondence requiring rewrites for (a) content error and (b) technical error (benchmark data will be collected in 2000-2001).
Quantity:
    190-230 responses to Ministerial correspondence, 10-15 Question Time Briefs, 1-3 Parliamentary Questions on Notice and 2-4 ministerial requests for substantial briefing.

    Services to the Minister and Parliament commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.005m
2. National leadership through consultation with key stakeholders, particularly the Hearing Services Advisory Committee, in development and implementation of national strategies and collaborative activities.Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of Commonwealth inputs to national policy, planning and strategy development and implementation.
Quantity:
    Number of meetings held relating to national strategy development and implementation (4 meetings held in 1999-2000).

    6 organisations and/or stakeholders consulted.

    National leadership services commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.001m
3. Information and education services on:
  • program eligibility and hearing services for clients and referrers (usually GPs); and
  • contractual requirements and claiming procedures for hearing service providers.
Quality:
    A high level of consumer and service provider satisfaction with the quality, relevance and timeliness of information provided through the Client Services Hotline, bulletins and correspondence, as measured through focus groups, client survey and client/provider feedback.
Quantity:
    1000 to 1100 inquiries dealt with per week by the Client Services Hotline.

    Bulletins provided to service providers at least on a quarterly basis.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.004m
4. Program management, including:
  • program evaluation and monitoring;
  • developing, negotiating and managing contracts for provision of hearing aids and hearing services;
  • the payment of service providers by the Health Insurance Commission; and
  • financial management and reporting on Outcome 6.
Quality:
    Projections of administered and Departmental expenditure are made on a monthly basis to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet program commitments.

    Budget projections are met and actual administered expenditure varies by less than 5% of estimates, and departmental expenditure monies by no more than ±2% of estimates.

    100% of payments to service providers are made within the Commonwealth payment guidelines in service provider contracts.
Quantity:
    Up to 130 Service Provider contracts and 17 Deeds of Device Supply serviced.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.025m
5. Regulatory activity, including:
  • accrediting hearing aid manufacturers to supply hearing devices under the program;
  • accrediting service providers for the provision of hearing services under the program;
  • assessing hearing devices for approval for supply under the program; and
  • conducting audits and following up on complaints to ensure compliance with:
  • the Terms and Conditions in Service Provider Contracts and Deeds of Supply for hearing devices;
  • hearing device standards;
  • Rules of Conduct;
  • Clinical Standards; and
  • Advertising Rules.
Quality:
    Evaluation of manufacturers for accreditation within 2 weeks of the manufacturer submitting all necessary information.

    Evaluation of service providers for accreditation within 2 weeks of the provider submitting all necessary information.

    Evaluation of new devices against quality standards completed within 2 weeks of manufacturers providing all necessary information.

    All applicants for a Hearing Services Voucher have eligibility checked through Centrelink.

    All providers adhere to the terms and conditions of the Service Provider Contract.

    All providers comply with Rules of Conduct and Clinical Standards.
Quantity:
    Minimum of 40 site audits conducted by Office of Hearing Services within the Contract period.

    Minimum of two providers reviewed each month using the Client Record Management Review process.

    120 to 130 devices per year evaluated (subject to number of requests for evaluation and approval submitted by manufacturers).
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.004m
6. Direct delivery of services, including:
  • the issuing of vouchers to clients; and


  • resolution of client complaints.
Quality:
    All vouchers to be issued within 14 days of receipt of a correctly completed application.
Quantity:
    All eligible clients who apply for a voucher receive one (estimated at 120,000-130,000 vouchers per year).
Quality:
    100% of client and other complaints resolved within an average of 10 working days of receipt of the complaint.
Quantity:
    Number of complaints against 1999-2000 benchmarks (550 complaints in 1999-2000).
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.003m
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Outcome 7: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

Improved health status for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Resource summary for Outcome 7

Table C7.1: Resource summary for Outcome 7


Table C7.1: Resource summary for Outcome 7Top of page

Explanation of variations

Table C7.2: Explanation of variations for Outcome 7

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Change in administered appropriations
Administered Item 1: Services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Reinstatement of 1998-99 Budget measures

Reinstatement of forward estimates relating to 1998-99 Budget measures for increased funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.		-- 9,221 12,031
Capital obligations

Rephasing resulting from capital grants that have been committed from within the 1999-00 Budget appropriation but not yet expensed.		 277---
Indigenous Renal Dialysis Units in the Kimberley and Cape York Regions

Rephasing of funds committed in 1999-00 for the construction of renal dialysis units in Broome, Western Australia and Cape York, Queensland. The two projects are joint initiatives with the respective State governments. 		1,500 ---
Army-ATSIC Community Assistance Programme

Due to the Army's commitment in East Timor the Army-ATSIC Community Assistance Programme has been extended to 6 years.		 -2,796 -3,002 -2,402 4,100
September parameter adjustment 647 1,688 2,513 3,363
-372 -1,314 9,332 19,494
Administered Item 2: Infrastructure to support the development and operation of high quality health care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Transfer of Polymerase Chain Reaction testing

Transfer of recurrent funds from Outcome 7 to MBS (Outcome 2) resulting from changes to the Polymerase Chain Reaction testing financing arrangements.		 -50 -54 -54 -54
September parameter adjustment 109 261 345 432
59207 291 378
Change in departmental appropriations
September parameter adjustment

See explanation.		 80 274 375 475
Capital use charge funding

See explanation.		 59 77 84 88
Comcover premium

See explanation.		 -78 -100 -110 -111
61 251 349 452
Top of page

Revised performance information and level of achievement - 2000-01

The performance information that the Department of Health and Aged Care will use to assess the level of its achievement against this additional Outcome 7 funding is shown below. This includes revision of performance information outlined in the Department’s 2000-01 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Table C7.3: Performance information for administered items affected by additional estimates Outcome 7

Administered items Performance information 2000-01
1. Services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities which provide:
  • comprehensive primary health care services, eg population health programs, clinical care, screening, immunisation, health education and promotion, counselling and specific programs such as sexual health, mental health, substance misuse prevention; and
  • substance misuse residential rehabilitation services.
Quality:
    50% of primary health care services using computerised client information systems capable of providing population registers, coordinated health care and population health planning.

    20% of substance misuse rehabilitation services participating in quality assurance programs.
Quantity:
    At least 190 organisations providing and or purchasing primary health care and related health services.

    At least 28 communities receiving expanded services as a result of the Remote Community Initiative.

    At least 4 communities receiving new or expanded services as a result of the Primary Health Care Access Program. This equates to in the order of 4,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having improved access to primary health care services.

    At least 20 organisations offering or in the process of establishing regionally coordinated ophthalmological and optometrical specialist services.

    At least 20 community controlled health services undertaking a range of brief and early interventions in relation to substance misuse.

    At least 50 mental health counselling positions established as part of the Government’s response to the Bringing Them Home report.

    Building improvements completed in at least 15 existing services and construction of at least 5 houses to accommodate medical staff.

    Commencement of construction of two joint Commonwealth-States renal dialysis projects.
Decrease in cost at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.372 m
Top of page

Table C7.4: Performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates Outcome 7

Output groups Performance information 2000-01
1. Services to the Ministers and Parliament in relation to providing policy advice on improving the access of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to comprehensive and effective primary health care for Indigenous peoples.Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefings provided.

    Agreed timeframes are met for responses to Ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefs.

    Reduction in the number and proportion of Ministerial correspondence requiring rewrites for (a) content error and (b) technical error (benchmark data will be collected in 2000-2001).
Quantity:
    180-240 responses to ministerial correspondence,
    15-25 Question Time Briefs, 9-12 Parliamentary Questions on Notice, 20-30 ministerial requests for substantial briefings.

    Services to the Ministers and Parliament service commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.003m
2. National leadership, including:
  • revision of the National Aboriginal Health Strategy;
  • continued enhancement of policy and program responses to the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
  • continued support for intersectorial partnerships that enhance health service development and delivery, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council; and
  • the collection and assessment of performance information to monitor access to, and effectiveness of health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of Commonwealth inputs to national policy, planning and strategy development and implementation.

    (NB. This includes the revision of the National Aboriginal Health Strategy).

    Stakeholder satisfaction with consultative arrangements and effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding arrangements with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council and State Forums under the auspices of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Health Framework Agreements.

    The refined set of national performance Indicators and Targets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health supported by the Heads of Aboriginal Health Unit, the National Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health Organisation and National Public Health Information Working Group and presented to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.
Quantity:
    Annual reporting by all jurisdictions against Framework Agreements and National Performance Indicators.

    Service Activity Reports provided by Aboriginal community controlled health services.

    National leadership services commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.003m
3. Information to stakeholders and the general community concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. This includes:
  • the continued development and implementation of enhanced communications mechanisms with stakeholders.
Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with relevance, quality and timeliness of information and education services.
Quantity:
    Published strategies distributed to all funded services and key stakeholders including: the revised National Aboriginal Health Strategy, the Review of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Substance Misuse Program, the National Recommendations for the Clinical Management of Alcohol Related Problems in Indigenous Public Health Care Settings, the Management of HIV/AIDS in Aboriginal Public Health Care Organisations, and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: 0.001m
4. Program management including:
  • development of improved contracts, tenders and project management;
  • development of grant administration framework;
  • community liaison and support for the development and implementation of programs;
  • effective administration and resource management; and
  • financial management and reporting on Outcome 7.
Quality:
    Stakeholder satisfaction with planning, consultation and implementation of new services and project development.

    100% of payments are made accurately and on time.

    100% of acquittals completed on time.

    Budget estimates are met and actual cash flows vary by less than 5% from predicted cash flows.
Quantity:
    Administration of funding to at least 200 health and substance misuse organisations across rural/remote and urban Australia.

    Administration of more than 50 contracts for professional services and advice, research, reviews and evaluations administered.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.006m
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Outcome 8: Choice through private health

A viable private health industry to improve the choice of health services for Australians.

Resource summary for Outcome 8

Table C8.1: Resource summary for Outcome 8


Table C8.1: Resource summary for Outcome 8

Table C8.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 8


Table C8.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 8Top of page

Explanation of variations

Table C8.2: Explanation of variations for Outcome 8

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Change in administered appropriations
Administered Item 1: Federal Government 30% Rebate
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Rephasing of funds

Funds are being rephased from 2002-03 and 2003-04 to 2000-01 for the 'Simplified billing for no or known gaps' measure.
4,000
-
-2,000
-2,000
Simplified Billing

Rephased funding due to slippage in the finalisation of the development site program. The rephased funding will be utilised for the ongoing development and promotion of simplified billing, no or known gap cover and electronic commerce for privately insured patients.
1,005
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
39
102
139
230
5,044
102
-1,861
-1,770
Change in departmental appropriations
Additional funding for the administration of the 30% rebate by the Australian Taxation Office
1,751
2,350
2,414
2,478
September parameter adjustment

See explanation.
59
193
245
300
Capital use charge funding

See explanation.
65
21
21
22
Comcover premium

See explanation.
-46
-
-1
-1
1,829
2,564
2,679
2,799
Top of page

Revised performance information and level of achievement - 2000-01

The performance information that the Department of Health and Aged Care will use to assess the level of its achievement against this additional Outcome 8 funding is shown below. This includes revision of performance information outlined in the department’s 2000-01 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Table C8.3: Performance information for administered items affected by additional estimates - Outcome 8

Administered items Performance information 2000-01
1. Federal Government 30% Rebate and Simplified Billing and No or Known GapsQuality:
    Outcome indicators No. 1a and 2b (page 213 of PBS) measure the effectiveness of the Federal Government 30% Rebate on private health insurance:
    • Stabilisation and improvement of private health insurance participation rates; and
    • Increased proportion of in-hospital services delivered to private patients (in public and private hospitals)compared to public patients.
    • Outcome indicator No. 1b (page 213 of PBS) measures the effectiveness of simplified billing and no or known gaps:
    • Increased proportion of in-hospital services covered by no/known gap arrangements.
Increase in cost at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $5.005m

Table C8.4: Performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates Outcome 8

Output groups Performance information 2000-01
1. Services to the Ministers and Parliament regarding health industry and related hospital issues, including:
  • development of policy initiatives to support the ongoing viability of the private health industry sector.
Quality:
    Agreed time frames met for responses to Ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and Ministerial requests for briefings.

    A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and Ministerial requests for briefings provided.

    Reduction in the number and proportion of Ministerial correspondence requiring rewrites for (a) content error and (b) technical error (benchmark data will be collected in 2000-2001).

    Provision of evidence to Parliamentary committees in a timely manner.
Quantity:
    1,400-1,500 responses to Ministerial correspondence, 100-120 Question Time Briefs, 2-4 Parliamentary Questions on Notice and 15-20 ministerial requests for substantial briefings.

    Services to the Ministers and Parliament commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.050m
2. National leadership, including:
  • monitor the introduction of Lifetime Health Cover;
  • develop gap cover schemes for health insurance;
  • develop a strategy to improve the care and funding arrangements for Nursing Home Type Patients (NHTPs) accommodated in private hospitals;
  • develop strategies to improve quality and cost–effectiveness;
  • develop more effective arrangements for private rehabilitation services; and
  • facilitate the restructure of the rural private hospital sector to maintain appropriate access for the privately insured population in rural areas.
Quality:
    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of Commonwealth inputs to national policy, planning and strategy development and implementation.

    Stakeholders agree with need for reform and support the implementation of new arrangements to improve care and funding for NHTPs.

    Private health industry quality strategy established by June 2001.

    New arrangements progressively implemented commencing with the implementation of the national classification system by December 2001.

    A high proportion of rural private hospitals participating in the assessment process and, where required, accessing the rural private hospital restructuring program.

    Proposals for reform available to health industry and consumers by the end of June 2001.
Quantity:
    500-1,000 organisations consulted.

    500-1,000 attendees at seminars, conferences, forums or meetings.

    National leadership service commensurate with the funds allocated.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.031m
3. Information to Government and other stakeholders relevant to private health insurance, including:
  • a Key Feature Statement summarising key features that consumers should focus on when choosing a private health insurance policy;
  • web-based information service containing information on the activities of the Private Health Industry Branch; and
  • benchmark the services and products offered by private health insurance funds and private hospitals.
Quality:
    Timely provision of relevant and accurate information.

    A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with relevance, quality and timeliness of information and education services.

    Information campaigns conducted during the year are evaluated as being effective.

    Effective information services developed and implemented in conjunction with consumer groups and industry by June 2001.

    Dissemination and monitoring of a Key Feature Statement and adoption by industry.

    Website updated regularly on production of new circular information.

    Development of a national benchmarks strategy.
Quantity:
    40-60 circulars to industry.

    Development and/or maintenance of a website.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.037m
4. Program management, including:
  • manage contracts to support policy development;
  • administer grant programs;
  • financial management and reporting on Outcome 8; and
  • implement Budget initiatives.
Quality:
    Budget predictions are met and actual cash flows vary less than 5% from predicted cash flows.

    100% of payments are made accurately and on time.
Quantity:
    10-20 contracts administered.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.015m
5. Regulatory activities including:
  • recognition of hospital and day hospital facilities and special care nurseries for payment of health insurance benefits;
  • monitor health fund rule changes ensuring health insurance products and premiums meet the Government’s legislative requirements as set out in the National Health Act 1953 and Health Insurance Act 1973;
  • regulation of the default table and prostheses list for benefits payable by funds to hospitals; and
  • implement the Government’s regulation reform agenda including reporting requirements.
Quality:
    Timely recognition of hospital, day hospital and special care nurseries for payment benefits.

    Health fund rule changes for products and premiums are assessed in line with the National Health Act 1953 on an ongoing basis.

    Timely amendments to the default table and prostheses list.

    Decisions made within legislated timeframes, where applicable.

    Public inquiries on the administration of Acts to be dealt with promptly.

    Possible breaches of the Acts investigated and appropriate action taken.
Quantity:
    25-30 applications for recognition of facilities for health insurance business processed per year.

    150-175 applications for health fund rule changes processed per year.

    30-45 applications for premium increases processed per year.

    All applications received for items to be included in Appendix A & B of Schedule 5 – Benefits Payable in Respect of Prostheses, Human Tissue Items List processed.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.037m
6. Direct Delivery of Services, including
  • payment of the Federal Government 30% Rebate on private health insurance to individuals and families by the HIC
  • processing by the ATO of 30% Rebate claims made in taxation returns
Quality:
    High level of client satisfaction with services.

    Accurate and prompt processing of claims.

    Monitoring of inappropriate claiming.
Quantity:
    3 to 3.5 million policy holders claim the Rebate either as a direct payment or as a premium reduction.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $1.787m.
Top of page

Outcome 9: Health investment


Knowledge, information and training for developing better strategies to improve the health of Australians.

Resource summary for Outcome 9

Table C9.1: Resource summary for Outcome 9


Table C9.1: Resource summary for Outcome 9

Table C9.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 9


Table C9.1 (cont): Resource summary for Outcome 9Top of page

Explanation of variations

Table C9.2: Explanation of variations for Outcome 9

2000-01
($'000)
2001-02
($'000)
2002-03
($'000)
2003-04
($'000)
Change in administered appropriations
Administered Item 1: Research grants
Appropriation Bill No. 3
National Institute of Clinical Studies

Correction to funding (between administered and departmental) for National Institute of Clinical Studies in future years.
-
-56
-80
4,897
Rephasing from 1999-2000

Rephasing of funding from 1999-2000 relating to medical research ($30.342m) and medical schools capital payments ($2.5m)
32,842
-
-
-
National Depression Initiative

Transfer of funding to Outcome 4 for the National Depression Initiative as part of the Commonwealth's contribution of $3.5m per annum over 5 years. The Commonwealth's contribution is being absorbed within existing portfolio resources.
-500
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
3,828
9,512
14,712
21,911
36,170
9,456
14,632
26,808
Administered Item 2: Workforce
Appropriation Bill No. 3
National Depression Initiative

Transfer of funding to Outcome 4 for the National Depression Initiative as part of the Commonwealth's contribution of $3.5m per annum over 5 years. The Commonwealth's contribution is being absorbed within existing portfolio resources.
-500
-
-
-
Medical bonded scholarships

Correction to funding associated with medical bonded scholarships </em>]
58
176
297
424
Rephasing from 1999-2000

Rephasing of funding from 1999-2000 relating to medical schools.
5,995
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
109
233
370
424
5,662
409
667
848
Administered Item 3: National Health Priorities and Quality
Appropriation Bill No. 3
National Secretariat for the Alzheimer's Association

Transfer of funding from Outcome 3 to Outcome 9 to fund the Alzheimer's Association Australia for National Secretariat Services.
132
-
-
-
Rephasing from 1999-2000

Rephasing of funding from 1999-2000 relating to support for breast cancer.
2,279
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
166
253
205
270
2,577
253
205
270
Administered Item 4: Information management/information technology
Appropriation Bill No. 3
Rephasing from 1999-2000

Rephasing of funding from 1999-2000 to continue the development of the health information management/information technology agenda, drawing the national health information management agenda under a single framework, as laid out in the Health Online- Health Information Action Plan for Australia published by the Australian Health Ministers in November 1999.
850
-
-
-
September parameter adjustment
23
15
21
28
873
15
21
28
Change in departmental appropriations
Complementary Therapies

Transfer of funding from Administered relating to complementary therapies, following rephasing of administered funds ($0.5m) from 1999-2000.
500
-
-
-
National Institute of Clinical Studies

Correction to funding (between administered and departmental) for National Institute of Clinical Studies in future years.
-
56
80
-4,897
September parameter adjustment

See explanation.
78
286
294
453
Capital use charge funding

See explanation.
30
79
60
63
Comcover premium

See explanation.
-19
-54
-52
-49
589
367
382
-4,430
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Revised performance information and level of achievement - 2000-01

The performance information that the Department of Health and Aged Care will use to assess the level of its achievement against this additional Outcome 9 funding is shown below. This includes revision of performance information outlined in the department’s 2000-01 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Table C9.3: Performance information for departmental outputs affected by additional estimates - Outcome 9

Output groups Performance information 2000-01
2. National leadership through:
  • support for the NHMRC, including meetings of the NHMRC and its principal committees:
    • Executive Committee of Council;
    • Health Advisory Committee;
    • Australian Health Ethics Committee;
    • Research Committee; and
    • Strategic Research Development Committee.
  • national approaches to health workforce;
  • promoting continuous quality improvement and evidence-based medicine including in the National Health Priority Areas;
  • increasing consumer and community involvement in health services planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation in Australia; and
  • work on the strategic framework document Health Online and development work in relation to privacy, electronic health records, standards development.
Quality:
    A high level of satisfaction of supported committees with the relevance, quality and timeliness of support and advice.
Quantity:
    It is estimated that there are 250-300 meetings of Council, its principal committees, sub committees and working parties conducted each year.




Quality:
    High level of satisfaction with the quality of Commonwealth input into Consumer Focus Collaboration.

    Agreement among stakeholders about a national direction in key areas (including privacy, standards development, electronic health records).
Quantity:
    National leadership services commensurate with the funds allocated.
Decrease in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.001m
4. Program management
  • Research grants, including:
    • health and medical research grants;
    • fellowships;
    • training Awards; and
    • block grants.
  • Contracts for:
    • workforce training development;
    • National Health Priority Areas;
    • consumer participation;
    • quality improvement issues;
    • performance information issues; and
    • workforce development: complementary therapies.
  • Consultancies to assist in the development of Health Advisory guidelines.
  • Individual contracts to ensure that each Community Sector Support Scheme (CSSS) funded organisation is appropriately focussed on portfolio objectives.
  • Financial management and reporting on Outcome 9.
Quality:
    Budget predictions are met and actual cash flows vary by less than five per cent from predicted cash flows.

    100 per cent of payments are made accurately and on time.

    100 per cent of acquittals are made on time.
Quantity:
    1760-1770 grants and over 430 contracts and consultancies will be serviced.

    1875 research grants applications will be processed through a peer review process involving the assessment by over 4000 independent national and international assessors, and 20 Discipline Panels. Each of these panels consists of between three and fifteen members.

    Twelve national organisations continue to receive CSSS funds.

    Annual Review of each funded organisation (12) including at least one face-to-face meeting with each organisation.
Increase in price at 2000-01 Additional Estimates: $0.500m

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