What we do
Our purpose is to lead national improvements in the safety and quality of health care, so you receive better care, everywhere.
We achieve this by setting standards for health care, providing best practice guidance for health professionals, helping patients understand what they can expect from their care, and publishing information about the safety and quality of the healthcare system.
Led by clinical and policy experts, our work spans the healthcare sector, addressing the needs and interests of patients, healthcare professionals, policy makers and healthcare organisations.
We believe all Australians should receive high-quality care.
High-quality health care is accessible, effective, integrated, person-centred and safe. At a health system level, it is efficient, sustainable, and equitable.
Cultural safety, as determined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, is necessary for high-quality care. Cultural safety must be embedded in each domain of high-quality care to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our strategic plan
Our strategic plan sets our direction for 2025-2030.
Our four key priority areas of focus are:
- High-quality care in an evolving environment: health care is delivered consistently, reliably and equitably for all Australians.
- Strong outcome focused clinical governance: clinical governance, integrated standards and accreditation drive better patient outcomes.
- Empowered patients, carers and communities: health care is designed and delivered with patients and communities.
- An improvement driven workforce culture: better health care is everyone’s responsibility, every day.
How we came to be
We were established in 2006 by the Council of Australian Governments to lead and coordinate national improvements in the safety and quality of health care.
We commenced as an independent statutory authority on 1 July 2011, funded jointly by the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with our role, functions and responsibilities governed by the National Health Reform Act 2011.
We are a corporate Commonwealth entity and part of the health portfolio of the Australian Government, accountable to the Australian Parliament and the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, the Hon. Mark Butler MP.