Health official calls time on reviews, pushes for reform delivery within lean budgets and resource cuts

The Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Blair Comley, has called on Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to shift gears from reviews to action, urging a “more implementation, less analysis” mindset as the re-elected Labor government enters its second term.

In the Incoming Government Brief (IGB), Comley noted that more than 70 reviews were commissioned, consulted or published during Labor’s first three years in office, suggesting the next phase must prioritise delivery over deliberation. This shift is all the more pressing as the Department of Health prepares for a 6-10% reduction in internal resources from 1 July 2025, with more reductions anticipated in 2026-27.

One of the most anticipated reforms is the next phase of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review, which Medicines Australia described as “critical.” The final report from the HTA Review’s Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) is due to government in early 2026.

“We have a stock of completed reviews that have consulted widely and include significant recommendations,” Comley said in the Incoming Government Brief (IGB). “I would suggest that ‘even more doing, less reviewing’ would be a good mindset for this term. Reviews often absorb significant resources and raise expectation in an already crowded agenda.”

Sue MacLeman, Chair of Medicines Australia, said “We wholeheartedly agree action is essential now to implement the recommendations arising from the HTA review, described in the IGB as a landmark reform paper with the potential to reshape how healthcare is delivered in our country.

“This is not only for Australian patient and physician communities – but also to show others, around the world, that Australia’s HTA system and notably the PBS, can evolve and deliver more into the future.”

The Department of Health has referred to the “significant implementation cost” of the HTA Review implementation and proposed a funding pool to support early rollout of HTA priority reforms, alongside a new policy proposal in the 2026–27 Budget cycle.

“This will be a time requiring some tough decisions on spending, with continually increasing demands on the health dollar, and with international forces driving considerable economic turbulence. This will mean that prioritisation should occur at every level,” noted Comley.

MacLeman emphasised the urgency of action, saying “We can see a clear appetite for reform. It’s encouraging to see the Department acknowledge that PBS listing is taking too long – at 21 months following registration. The industry also welcomes the Department’s goal to have positive PBAC recommendations after 1-2 submissions and increased equity of access for patients. Medicines Australia looks forward to working collaboratively with Government on these goals.”

Medicines Australia pointed to the 2024 Productivity Commission findings as clear and practical evidence that improving timely access to new medicines can deliver tangible benefits – not only for patient care, but also for Australia’s broader economic and social outcomes.

“We have a significant and unique opportunity to reshape how healthcare is delivered in our country and it’s now time to get to work on HTA implementation,” MacLeman emphasised.

The IGB outlines five health priorities for the government: strengthening Medicare; ensuring Australians can access the “best medicines cheaper”; attracting and retaining a health workforce working to full scope of practice; delivering a more equitable mental health system; and Closing the Gap in First Nations health outcomes.

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