Australian National Audit Office review recommendations

WA Primary Health Alliance acknowledges the release of the recommendations from the review conducted by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) into the Department of Health and Aged Care’s (the Department) Performance Management of Primary Health Networks.

The review was timely, given the significant and sustained growth in the services delivered by the national network of PHNs in recent years.

Across Australia, PHNs play a critical role in commissioning health services, building the capacity of the primary health care workforce and coordinating health services at a local level.

Additionally, enabled by the national PHN Cooperative, PHNs work together to drive innovation, promote best practice in commissioning and capacity building and share resources and information.

At all times, the PHN Cooperative and individual PHNs work collaboratively with the Department to ensure the application of best practice governance standards to deliver value for money health services for people within our communities, particularly those most at risk of poor health outcomes.

Questions in relation to the ANAO report and its recommendations should be directed to the Department of Health and Aged Care.