National Human Rights Consultation

On 10 December 2008, the Attorney-General launched a national consultation to consider how to best protect and promote human rights and responsibilities in Australia. An independent Consultative committee was established, headed by Father Frank Brennan SJAO to consult with the community.

The Consultation has had overwhelming feedback, with around 35,000 submissions received, as well as hosting 66 roundtables in 52 locations around the country. The National Human Rights Consultation Committee handed its report to the Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, on 30 September 2009.

For more information please refer to the Human Rights Consultation website.

Medicare and PBS safety net provisions 

The Medicare Safety Net is designed to help people when they have high medical costs. Once these costs reach a safety net threshold, visits to the doctor or having tests may end up costing less. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net operates similarly for those with high pharmaceutical bills.

For more information, please refer to the Medicare Australia website.

GP Super Clinics

The Commonwealth Government wants to ensure that all Australians have access to affordable, high quality, comprehensive and integrated primary care services that are convenient and accessible. GP Super Clinics are a key element in building a stronger primary care system. They will provide a greater focus on health promotion and illness prevention and better coordination between privately provided GP and allied health services, community health and other State and Territory Government funded services

For more information, please refer to the Department of Health and Ageing website.