Dissecting the health debate

Experts delve into the detail of the government’s health reforms.

A panel of academics, policy makers and leaders in health care will come together today to review the strategic and economic aspects of the government’s health reform package.

The Australian National University is hosting the forum, which discuss the key features of the reform agenda and the challenges of policy implementation.

Professor John Deeble, who was a chief creator of the Whitlam Government’s universal health insurance scheme (now Medicare), will provide his reflections on the health reform debate.

Elsewhere, Ian McAuley from the Centre for Policy Development will suggest that while the health initiatives have several worthwhile aspects, they don’t address the problems of fragmentation of services and fundamental financial distortions.

The forum takes place from 9am tomorrow at the Springbank Room, JG Crawford Building, Lennox Crossing (behind Old Canberra House).