Elective surgery operations rewarded by the Commonwealth
For the first time, the Commonwealth will reward states and territories with $108 million for exceeding targets to increase elective surgery operations.
The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, have announced the payments which demonstrate the success of the Federal Government’s strategy to improve access to elective surgery.
The reward payments are specified in the National Partnership Agreement on the Elective Surgery Waiting List Reduction Plan, formally agreed to at the Council of Australian Government (COAG) in 2009.
The COAG Reform Council, which independently assesses the performance of the states and territories, has advised the Government that the targets have been achieved.
This is the first time the Commonwealth has used these types of targets and rewards in the health system.
