OATSIH is undertaking a review of primary healthcare funding.  The review will seek advice on a range of funding models that could be considered if OATSIH were to change the way they fund primary health care for Aboriginal & Torres Strait islander peoples. 

 NACCHO expressed the need for OATSIH to consider establishing a steering committee that would include representatives from NACCHO as well as selected experts with experience in the PHC financing area.

 NACCHO recommended that the steering committee be involved in the selection of the appropriate consultants to undertake the review in partnership with OATSIH however this was not supported on the basis of a conflict of interest. 

 OATSIH has agreed to NACCHO’s representation on the steering committee and has also sought our advice on appropriate technical experts.

 If the review is done well it could provide the basis for a new funding model for our sector which will assist in the future to justify the need for increased funding. It will also make more transparent the unmet need