Leading system improvement
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is an independent national body established under the National Health Reform Act 2011 to lead improvements in the safety and quality of health care across the whole system, so all Australians receive better care, everywhere.
We do this effectively by:
- Setting the national standards for safety and quality. Health services look to us for clear and trusted advice and guidance to deliver safe, high-quality care.
- Coordinating national accreditation schemes. We ensure health services are assessed against standards so that people are assured that patient safety and quality is being delivered.
- Understanding how the whole health system works. We have strong relationships with governments, health services, clinicians, consumers and peak bodies and use these relationships to implement safety and quality improvement initiatives.
- Identifying and advising on emerging issues. We are constantly identifying safety and quality issues right across the system and advising governments on policy directions and priorities for action.
- Promoting a consistent national approach. We promote a consistent national approach to safety and quality in healthcare. This helps ensure people receive safe, high-quality care no matter where they live.
Our work is guided by our legislated responsibilities and Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which sets out the national priorities and long-term directions that shape our programs, standards, and partnerships.
The Strategic Plan links our purpose to the levers we use and the actions we take across the health system.
What levers do we use to influence system improvements?
We use a range of system levers to drive improvements in safety and quality across Australia. These levers work together to support consistent care, guide high-quality care, and help health services understand what good practice looks like.
Examples below show how we influence and strengthen safety and quality across the whole health system.
| Core system levers | How we apply these |
|---|---|
| Legislation, regulation, and agreements | We use our enabling legislation and intergovernmental agreements to strengthen accountability and shape system behaviour. For example, formulating national standards and delivering accreditation schemes for safety and quality under the National Health Reform Act. We align safety and quality expectations with funding levers to reinforce accountability. We do this by embedding safety and quality requirements in our work with other National Bodies through the implementation of the Addendum to the National Health Reform Agreement 2026-2031. For example, pricing for safety and quality in public hospital services. |
| National standards, guidance, and models | We set nationally consistent expectations for care through standards and frameworks to drive better practice. For example, the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, the Clinical Care Standards, and the National Model for Clinical Governance. |
| Data insights | We measure, monitor and analyse data so that the system can see where care varies and where improvements are needed. For example, our Atlas Focus Reports provide in depth insights into specific conditions and treatments and feature trend data, clinical commentaries and recommendations for improvement. |
| Partnerships and engagement | We work with consumers, clinicians, governments, and system partners to co‑design practical solutions to achieve better outcomes for everyone. For example, developing a guide for consumers so both consumers and health service organisations can improve how to get the most from their partnerships. |
| Digital health stewardship for safety and quality | We provide advice on how digital systems and emerging technologies can be used safely and effectively in healthcare. For example, providing national guidance on digital safety risks and emerging technologies. |
How do we engage with health system stakeholders?
We work in partnership with consumers, carers, clinicians, governments, and healthcare organisations across Australia to drive whole of system improvements.
Engagement includes:
- Codesigning guidance, standards and policy with consumers, clinicians, and the wider health system, including primary health and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sectors.
- Supporting states and territory health systems and the private sector to implement safety and quality improvements consistently.
- Providing practical resources to support shared decision making with patients, families and carers.
- Partnering with policymakers to ensure our work aligns with national initiatives and regulations aimed at strengthening system performance.
Our role in the National Health Reform Agreement
The National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA) Addendum 2026–2031 released in March 2026 sets out how the Commonwealth and state and territory governments will work together to improve health outcomes for all Australians and support the long‑term sustainability of the health system.
The NHRA articulates a shared vision for Australia’s healthcare system to be person-centred, equitable, responsive, and sustainable.
For consumers, it means a greater focus on safe, high-quality and culturally appropriate care, and better coordination across services so everyone receives the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
The NHRA provides an opportunity for all governments to work together to ensure collective investments in healthcare advance reform that delivers:
- Better health outcomes and experiences for all Australians and better value for patients
- Stronger shared stewardship of the whole health system
- A simpler, more equitable public hospital and health services funding model.
The Commission plays a key role in delivering the NHRA through its programs and partnerships, with a continued focus on strengthening the safety, quality, and value of health care for people across Australia.