PRESS RELEASE: Re-election brings fresh momentum for health reform, says AHHA Ltd

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association Limited (AHHA Ltd) congratulates the Australian Labor Party on its re-election and welcomes returning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Health was a central issue throughout the 2025 Federal Election campaign, and voters made clear their expectations for a healthcare system that is fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of individuals and communities.

‘Now is the time to build on this mandate with collaborative, meaningful reform that puts people and communities at the centre of care, and the returning Federal Government has both the opportunity and the responsibility to act,’ said AHHA Ltd Chief Executive Kylie Woolcock.

AHHA Ltd welcomes the Government’s commitment to reaffirm the founding principles of Medicare and is calling for action through systemic reform that prioritises equity, sustainability, and innovation.

This includes a broader reform agenda grounded in value-based health care (VBHC), a framework that unites all parts of the system to shift focus from volume to value and prioritising outcomes that matter to people and communities. This requires:

Measuring and reporting what matters through a National Health Information Strategy

Supporting a resilient, person-centred workforce

Enabling regional innovation and stewardship

Using funding models that reward improved outcomes, not just volume of services

These principles were front and centre at the recent 2025 Value-Based Health Care Congress, held on the eve of the federal election. The Congress showcased timely and practical examples of how VBHC can support equitable, sustainable, and person-centred reform, demonstrating the knowledge, tools and partnerships that are required to make this happen.

‘Now is the time for the Government to embrace value-based health care as a unifying framework to deliver the reforms Australians have called for,’ Ms Woolcock said.

‘By focusing on outcomes and equity, we can strengthen the foundations of Medicare and create a health system fit for the future.’

This was a historic re-election, shaped by global challenges. With renewed momentum, AHHA Ltd looks forward to working with the Government and the broader health sector to ensure that policy decisions reflect what matters to Australians, and that care is fair, affordable, and person-centred.