Forum moves health policy debate beyond the political blame game

25 June 2012

A Deakin University-hosted forum moved the health policy debate beyond politics on Wednesday 20 June.

“The blame game between state and federal governments, the delays in e-health, and the over-arching need for a greater focus on preventative health were all flagged as key issues for discussion during the forum,” said Professor Michael Porter, research professor of public policy at Deakin.

The forum got beyond the ‘blame game’ between Commonwealth and State Governments and considered what works and what doesn’t; and how to finance and allocate health resources efficiently. What sets of incentives and systems for preventative care can fairly and efficiently deliver better health at lower cost was also considered.

The expert speakers and invited guests came from a range of health, economic, insurance, service provider and government policy backgrounds, and created an opportunity for real dialogue on what is both a huge policy issue and the most rapidly growing cost and source of tension in government budgets.

Listen to each of the presentations below:

The Hon Neil Batt AO, Australian Centre for Health Research: Health Expenditure Priorities

Professor Rob Carter, Head, Deakin Health Economics, Deakin University: The Economics of Preventative Health

Associate Professor Marj Moodie, Deputy Head, Deakin Health Economics, Deakin University: The Economics of Obesity Prevention

Professor Anthony Scott, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research: The Policy Imperative

Mr Alan Kinkade, Group Chief Executive, Epworth Healthcare: The Market Imperative

Ms Amanda Hagan, Chief Executive Health, Australian Unity Limited: The Insurance Imperative

Mr Jon Evans, Director, Health Strategy, Department of Health: The Care Imperative

Professor Stan van Hooft, Deakin University: The Social Justice Imperative