Caring for all Australians: strengthening health, aged care and disability services
Record national funding for hospitals and health services
On 12 December 2018, Prime Minister Morrison announced the $1.25 billion Community Health and Hospital Program to improve the health and care of patients in public hospitals across Australia. The investment was made available to fund projects and services in every State and Territory, supporting patient care while reducing pressure on community and hospital services. This was done through targeted funding, particularly for:
Specialist hospital services (such as cancer treatment, rural health and hospital infrastructure),
Drug and alcohol treatment,
Preventative, primary and chronic disease management, and
Mental health.
More health services and medicines made cheaper
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) saw substantial enhancements aimed at improving access to essential medicines. Notably, 2,900 new or amended listings were added to the PBS, at a total investment of around $15 billion. Key cancer treatments listed included Revlimid® for multiple myeloma, Kadcyla® and Verzenio® for breast cancer, and Trodelvy® for triple-negative breast cancer. These listings reduced the cost burden on patients, with some treatments saving individuals up to $194,000.
In the area of neurological and rare diseases, the PBS was expanded to include Briviact® for paediatric epilepsy, Ofev® for progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease, and Zolgensma®, a gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy that otherwise would cost approximately $2.5 million. The PBS also expanded coverage of treatments for chronic and metabolic conditions. This included Evolocumab for high-risk cardiovascular disease linked to high cholesterol and Fiasp®, a fast-acting insulin to better manage diabetes. Other important additions included Entocort® for Crohn’s disease and Pheburane® for the treatment of urea cycle disorder.
Prime Minister Morrison took a special personal interest in Australians suffering from Cystic Fibrosis(CF) and Diabetes.
The PBS listing of Trikafta® (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor), to support CF patients could cost over $250,000 annually. In addition to Trikafta®, PBS access was extended to other CF treatments including Symdeko® (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) for patients aged 12 and over with specific gene mutations, while Orkambi® (lumacaftor/ivacaftor) was extended to children aged 2–5 years.
$300 million was invested to improve diabetes technology access, particularly for people with type 1 diabetes. The Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Initiative provided fully subsidised CGM devices to children under 21, pregnant women, and concession card holders with type 1 diabetes, saving users up to $2,400 annually.
A stronger Medicare
To support these investments, the Morrison Government introduced the New Medicines Funding Guarantee in 2020, committing $2.8 billion over four years to fund timely new listings. Additional statutory pricing reforms generated $1.9 billion in efficiencies, which were reinvested into the PBS. Coupled with initiatives to increase patient input into decision-making, these reforms reflected a broader commitment to ensuring affordable, equitable access to essential medicines while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the PBS.
Similarly, Prime Minister Morrison took significant steps to bolster the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS). By the end of 2021, the bulk billing rate reached a record high of 88.8%. This increase meant that nearly nine out of ten visits to a GP were provided with no out-of-pocket costs for patients.
The introduction of new MBS items also allowed for better coverage of mental health services and other essential care, further contributing to the overall improvement in healthcare accessibility.
Investing in medical research
The Morrison Government significantly expanded medical research funding, anchored by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), which reached its $20 billion capitalisation target in 2020. This funding underpinned two national 10-year investment plans: the first (2019–20) committed $5.1 billion across 20 research initiatives; the second (2022–23) expanded funding to $6.3 billion across 21 initiatives.
Key research missions included the Genomics Health Futures Mission, which funded Mackenzie’s Mission — providing reproductive genetic screening to over 9,000 couples — and broader rare disease and personalised medicine initiatives. The Stem Cell Therapies Mission supported 17 projects across cardiac, cancer, COVID-19, and neurological research. In aged care, the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission backed $17 million in research to improve the quality of life for older Australians.
Additional flagship investments included the Cardiovascular Health Mission, Traumatic Brain Injury Mission ($3.3 million), and the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission, which aimed to develop new models of care and diagnostics. Further funding supported Indigenous health research, brain and spinal injury rehabilitation, gut microbiome science, and national initiatives in medical genomics and clinical trials.
The Government also invested in building national research capability — supporting precision medicine, regenerative therapies, digital health platforms, and biobanking. Programs were designed to ensure research outcomes could be rapidly translated into practice and aligned with national health priorities, including mental health, chronic disease, and health system resilience.
Greater access to mental health services
The Morrison Government delivered unprecedented support for mental health services across Australia, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Total mental health funding reached $6.5 billion in 2021-22 — a 90% increase since 2012-13, demonstrating the Government's strong commitment to supporting Australians in need.
On 13 March 2020, the Morrison Government introduced telehealth consultations as part of a broader health package worth $2.4 billion. This allowed patients to access healthcare without needing to visit a clinic physically, which was crucial during lockdowns and for vulnerable populations. The decision to make Medicare-subsidised telehealth permanent transformed access to mental health care, with over 100 million consultations delivered since its introduction during COVID-19.
The historic $2.3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan represented the largest Commonwealth investment in mental health services in Australia's history - expanding vital services including telehealth and new mental health centres. Prime Minister Morrison committed an additional $206.5 million to help young Australians experiencing severe mental health challenges through Early Psychosis Youth Services and Youth Enhanced Services.
Boosting women’s health research and funding
The Morrison Government’s National Women's Health Strategy 2020–2030 had five priority areas; maternal, sexual and reproductive health, healthy ageing, chronic conditions and preventive health, mental health, and the health impacts of violence against women and girls.
Building on this commitment, the Morrison Government invested $353.9 million over four years as part of the 2021-22 Budget to support women’s health, including funding for cervical and breast cancer, endometriosis, and reproductive health.
A significant investment of $21.6 million was made into women's health programs. This included funding for Jean Hailes for Women's Health and the Pelvic Pain Foundation’s Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program (PPEP-Talk). Another $22 million was allocated to add gynaecology services to the Medicare Benefits Scheme — covering assisted reproductive technology and long-term contraceptives.
As mentioned above, significant investment was made in genomics and gene therapy through the MRFF, including the $20 million Mackenzie’s Mission, which offered free reproductive genetic screening to over 9,000 couples. The project tested for 750 severe childhood-onset genetic conditions and led to key tests being added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule in 2023. The Government also invested $80 million in developing CAR-T cell therapies at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and provided $65 million for research in high-burden cancers, paediatrics, and genomic ethics.
Further targeted support included funding for gene therapy in rare diseases like Friedreich’s Ataxia and for precision epilepsy treatment. A national gene therapy strategy was also advanced, focusing on clinical translation, workforce skills, and regulatory reform. These initiatives positioned Australia as a regional leader in personalised medicine, building foundational capacity in genetic screening, advanced therapies, and genomic research.
Aged Care Royal Commission and caring for older Australians
On 9 October 2018, Prime Minister Morrison announced the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety which culminated in a final report released on 26 February 2021.
The Royal Commission primarily looked at the quality of care provided in residential and in-home aged care to older Australians. The Morrison Government responded to the Aged Care Royal Commission’s interim report with a $537 million funding package. Key actions included 10,000 new home care packages, stricter controls on chemical restraints, enhanced dementia training, and measures to reduce younger people in aged care. These reforms aimed to improve aged care quality and industry transparency — demonstrating the Government’s commitment to providing access to care with dignity and respect.
The Royal Commission looked at the sector, without bias or prejudice. It made findings on the evidence. The Final Report included 148 recommendations aimed at overhauling the aged care system. The outcomes of the Commission were significant and multifaceted, focusing on the urgent need for reform in various areas of aged care.
The Morrison Government legislated for new Aged Care Quality Standards, the first upgrade of standards in 20 years, and introduced a Bill to create the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, supported by $106 million to support better facilities, care and standards in aged care.
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
On 5 April 2019, the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was established in response to significant community concerns regarding the treatment of individuals with disabilities in Australia.
The Commission's final report was released on 29 September 2023, and included 222 recommendations aimed at reforming the systems that impact people with disabilities.
As a result of the Morrison Government’s calling of the Royal Commission, the Government has since worked alongside State and Territory governments to formulate a Joint Government Response to the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission. This included funding commitments to implement reforms based on the Commission's Final Report. The ongoing collaboration between various governmental levels will be key to successfully implementing these reforms and ensuring that individuals with disabilities can live free from violence and exploitation.
Strengthening the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The Disability Royal Commission served as a pivotal moment for reforming how disability services are delivered in Australia, particularly through the NDIS — a world first insurance scheme that is profoundly changing the lives of many Australians. The NDIS has been transformational for people with disability, their families and their support workers, and under the Morrison Government, was fully funded, with year on year funding increases.
By the end of the Morrison Government’s term in May 2022, the Scheme supported more than 500,000 Australians with permanent and significant disability. More than half of these people were receiving financial support for the first time.
Related media:
1. Press release, $1.25 billion to improve the health and care of Australian patients, 12 December 2018: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42021
2. Press release, Cheaper medicine for over 500,000 patients, 30 September 2019: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42442
3. Press release, $1.1 billion to support more mental health, Medicare and domestic violence services, 29 March 2020: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42763
4. Press release, Record funding to support 800,000 women with endo and new genetic tests available, 25 March 2022: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43886
5. Address, Press conference with the Minister for Health and the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, 09 October 2018: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-41845
6. Press release, Response to Aged Care Royal Commission Interim Report, 25 Nov 2019: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42538
7. Address, Press conference with the Minister for Families and Social Services, 05 April 2019: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42257
8. Press release, Response to Aged Care Royal Commission Interim Report (including Younger people in residential aged care), 25 Nov 2019: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42538
