In recent times Queensland has seen significant reforms in its public health system, following the coordination of two external and far reaching reviews in 2005. The implementation of these review recommendations has presented both challenges and opportunities for QAIHC and the Community Controlled Health Sector, which to-date has received limited funding and recognition from the Queensland Government. Now, this trend appears to be shifting however real change needs to be measured in this area.
The Queensland Health System Review (2005) suggested investment in a broader range of partnerships to maximise available resources and provide more effective services. The Review recognised that service providers other than Queensland Health may be better able to meet patient and community needs and models such as funds pooling, service delivery and service coordination.
The transfer of primary health care services to community control, now recognised as a priority in the Queensland Health State-wide Service Plan (2007) and being implemented in both Cape York and Yarrabah, represents a critical platform for QAIHC and the Community Controlled Health Sector to further explore the expansion of these innovative partnerships with the Queensland and Australian Governments, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland.