This resource gives an overview of the Australian Health Care System. It provides a foundational insight for undergraduate students entering a career in health.
This unit accounts for 3 continuing professional development (CPD) hours.
To attain a certificate of completion, and proof of CPD hours, complete the quiz at the end of this module.
Australia’s health system functions remarkably well, despite operating under a complex set of institutions that make coordinating patient care difficult. Complications arising from a split in federal and state government funding and responsibilities are central to these challenges.
This module provides a brief introduction to the Australian Health Care System including key strategies, policies and plans for maintaining healthy Australians the systems role in maintaining the health of Australians.
Look, listen and learn!We have provided various interactive elements throughout this resource that will give you additional information. You can also listen to the entire content
This resource was developed to prepare you for a career in the Australian Health Care System. By engaging with the activities and resources provided, you will get the most out of this module.
What do you already know?
Take the quiz to find out! Compare you score at the end of the module.
The Federal Government allocates cash into the health care system for each state and territory to prioritise their health needs. It is also responsible for Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
State and territory governments are responsible for the health care needs of their populations. A diversity of health care needs exist in each state and territory.
For example, the health care needs of those living in remote Northern Territory are very different to those living in suburban Sydney.
A diversity of health care needs exist in each state and territory. State governments fund public hospitals and subsidise private hospitals and nursing homes.
Local government is responsible for funding public health services. This includes, ensuring clean water, providing appropriate sewerage, and managing noise.
The federal government allocates tax revenue to state and territory governments for managing health care needs.
State and territory governments are responsible for the health care needs of their populations. A diversity of health care needs exist in each state and territory.
For example the health care needs of those living in remote Northern Territory are very different to those living in suburban Sydney.
The private sector also contributes to health care at state and territory levels.
Local government is responsible for funding public health services including clean water, sewerage, and managing noise.All levels of government need to decide what is funded, and how much funding to allocate to different areas of the health care system.
Funding health care across the three levels of government is complex.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare provides a succinct outline of the different government sectors and their responsibilities.
http://aihw.gov.au/
Levels of government & health service delivery responsibilities
This activity gives you an indication of the responsibilities of each levels of government.
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The majority of health workforce is in major cities, as our demand for health services increases there is a foreseen shortage of health workers, especially in rural and remote areas.
Australia has a diverse range of health workers. These can be divided between registered Australian Health Practitioners and those who are not registered.
“The registered health workforce includes a mix of professions who practice under the regulations set by the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency."
Unregistered health workers play an important part in the delivery of health services in Australia. Some of these professionals are public health workers, health promotion officers, health workforce managers, patient care attendants and community service workers.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA):
https://www.ahpra.gov.au
The Australian Health Workforce
This activity gives you an indication of the size and composition of the Australian workforce.
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