Our work

Signed by all Australian governments, the 2020–25 Addendum to National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA) aims to improve health outcomes for all Australians and ensure our health system is sustainable.

The 5-Year International Medical Graduates Recruitment Scheme (scheme) improves access to doctors in rural and remote areas. It increases the supply of doctors to work in these areas where their services are needed the most.

This program funds Primary Health Networks to engage culturally appropriate mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This scholarship scheme encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to undertake undergraduate or graduate entry studies in pharmacy at an Australian university.

Accelerated Research has been consolidated into the Emerging Priorities and Consumer-Driven Research initiative under the MRFF 10-year Investment Plan. This initiative supported researchers working to develop new treatments and cures for debilitating conditions, in areas of identified unmet need.

The Active ingredient prescribing (AIP) initiative helps ensure consistent information about prescription medicines is used when health practitioners prescribe and dispense medicines for their patients.

Trachoma still occurs in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We work with the affected states and territories to identify, treat and prevent this condition. We also report to the World Health Organization’s program to eradicate trachoma across the world.

Advance Care Planning Australia is a national program that promotes advance care planning, including resources and national curriculum and learning.

Each year, the AST Program supports 15 advanced skills posts for general practitioner (GP) registrars, rural generalist (RG) registrars and fellowed RGs or GPs. Learn about the program, who is eligible, and how to participate.

The After Hours Review investigated the need for primary care after‐hours services, the current state of these services, and successful models. The final report provides options for immediate improvements and longer-term reform.

We are building technology connections between aged care businesses and government systems to improve information sharing. A better-connected and efficient aged care network will support high-quality aged care.

The Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) provides grants to build, extend, or upgrade aged care services or to build staff accommodation where older Australians have limited or no access.

We are digitising, modernising, automating and better connecting aged care to streamline work for providers, and to give older people, their families and carers control over their care. This work, under the Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029, supports major reforms to improve aged care.

This framework sets out how our aged care system can meet the diverse needs of all older Australians. It includes action plans for government, aged care providers and consumers. It also provides resources to help providers meet the goals of the framework.

We are rolling out a framework to build financial accountability and transparency in aged care. This will help to ensure continuity of care and quality services to aged care recipients.

This program provides Diploma of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing, and Master of Nursing (Graduate entry) students with high-quality clinical placements in the care and support sector.

We provide access to funding for community pharmacies and residential aged care homes to employ on-site pharmacists to work in residential aged care homes.

An independent capability review looked at whether the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) has what it needs to effectively regulate the aged care sector. The Australian Government is considering the review’s recommendations.

We are making changes to aged care. Our vision is to deliver the highest quality person-centred care for older people, where and when they need it.

This grant provided funding for aged care service providers in regional, rural and remote areas to help improve infrastructure. Grants of up to $500,000 per aged care service were available. This grant is now closed for applications. Find out the common reasons why applications were not successful.

The Australian Government is delivering a payment to registered nurses who work for the same aged care employer for 6 or 12 months.

Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia is a new research centre funded to conduct research with aged care workers, providers, researchers and people who use aged care services. Findings will be used to create innovative solutions for the aged care sector to ensure best possible care.

These trials explored different ways of helping people understand and engage with the aged care system. Lessons from these trials have helped us decide the best way to support people to navigate aged care.

The Aged Care Transition to Practice (ACTTP) program provides nurses with mentoring, training and support at the start of their career in aged care.

The scheme involves volunteers visiting older people to provide friendship and companionship. Find out how it works, how to become a volunteer and how to request a visit.