BreastScreen Australia National Policy and Funding Review

About the review

The BreastScreen Australia National Policy and Funding Review has now been completed.

The review was led by the Australian Government in partnership with all state and territory governments. Consultants including Abt Associates, HealthConsult and Deloitte undertook key components of the work, with the Final Report led by Health Consult and overseen by a multidisciplinary Expert Advisory Group.

The purpose was to explore ways to strengthen and modernise BreastScreen Australia so it remains effective, equitable and sustainable into the future, while continuing to deliver high‑quality screening services for women across Australia.

What the review did

The review was informed by extensive evidence, analysis and consultation across the health system. It:

• reviewed BreastScreen Australia screening policies using the latest national and international evidence
• examined quality, safety and accreditation mechanisms across the program
• assessed participation, equity and access, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• considered emerging technologies and personalised approaches to screening
• analysed funding and governance arrangements to support long‑term sustainability
• engaged with clinicians, service providers, workforce, consumers and jurisdictions through public submissions, workshops and targeted consultations

What the review found

The review found that BreastScreen Australia remains one of Australia’s most successful public health programs and continues to provide safe, high‑quality screening services.

It also identified opportunities to improve how the program supports equitable access, participation, consistency and future readiness, particularly as evidence, technology and community expectations continue to evolve.

About the BreastScreen Australia National Policy and Funding Review Final Report and Strategic Framework

The BreastScreen Australia National Policy and Funding Review Final Report and Strategic Framework have been released and outline opportunities to strengthen and modernise the national breast cancer screening program. The Framework provides a nationally consistent direction for the BreastScreen Australia Program and sets out priorities for improvement, innovation and equity over the coming decade, while maintaining the core elements that make the Program effective and trusted.

These documents provide a national direction for future improvements while maintaining safe, free and high‑quality screening services for eligible women. 

What happens next

BreastScreen Australia will operate as normal while the reforms are implemented in phases over the next 10 years. Any future changes will be:

• based on strong evidence
• introduced gradually
• guided by national agreement and feasibility
• clearly communicated to women, health professionals and services.

To keep up to date with any post-review activities, register to become part of our Partner Reference Group: BreastScreenReviewPRG@health.gov.au. 

Contacts