The Federal Government has announced the launch of the Australian Medicare Local Alliance, the body charged with ensuring a more effective and cohesive network of Medicare Locals.

 

Federal Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, said that the alliance will play a key role in ensuring Medicare Locals function effectively and efficiently.

 

“Medicare Locals will improve the coordination and integration of primary health care in local communities, addressing service gaps and making it easier for patients to navigate their local healthcare system,” she said.


“As the body responsible for supporting Medicare Locals at the national level, the new Australian Medicare Local Alliance will assume a key leadership role in primary health care.” 

 

Nationally, 61 Medicare Locals have been established to identify gaps in primary health care services at the local level, especially for high need and underserviced groups, and to better target services to respond to those gaps. 



The Australian Government has committed a total of $493 million from 2010-11 to 2012-14 for the establishment and operation of Medicare Locals. It will also be the primary funder of the Australian Medicare Local Alliance.