Medibank has shared the outcomes of its inaugural Primary Care Symposium to the Australian Government, highlighting a united call from senior health leaders, clinicians, researchers and patient representatives for transformational reform of Australia’s primary care system.
Hosted by Medibank the Primary Care Symposium brought together more than 70 healthcare stakeholders to design a shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable and patient-centred primary care future.
The communique shared with government reflects a powerful consensus- that Australia’s primary care system is at a crossroads, and there is a clear opportunity to support reform that better meets the needs of patients, carers and providers alike.
Key recommendations include:
Strengthening multidisciplinary team-based care, enabling all clinicians to work to their full scope of practice while supporting patients to be more involved in their own care.
Embedding change management and continuous improvement in reform rollouts, with tailored support for clinicians, practice teams, and community partners.
Driving refreshed funding models to incentivise quality, equity, and innovation that support proactive and personalised care.
Investing in better digital infrastructure and data-sharing across primary care, to enable more connected and coordinated care across the health system.
Symposium participants emphasised that successful reform requires a shared investment in trust, leadership and capability-building.
They also expressed strong support for inclusive models of care that reflect the lived experience of patients, carers and communities, and reduce inequities across geography, culture and access.
Medibank Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Wilson said the Symposium marked a critical moment for Australia’s health transition — one Medibank is proud to help lead.
“The message from the Primary Care Symposium was clear: there is strong appetite for reform, and we have the tools, evidence and experience to drive it forward. The government’s own reviews and initiatives – including MyMedicare and the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce – reflect this momentum. Our communique adds a practical, frontline perspective to these policy ambitions.”
Dr Wilson added, “We’re moving into a new era of healthcare. The transition to multidisciplinary, patient-centred care is already underway — the evidence is there, the innovation is happening, and the support across the sector is real. What’s needed now is policy alignment and coordinated action,” Dr Wilson said.
“Medibank is committed to helping drive this change. As a health company, we see firsthand the impact that better models of primary care can have. It’s time to back the reform momentum with the practical changes that patients, clinicians and communities are calling for.”
“This isn’t about starting from scratch — it’s about scaling what works and removing the barriers that are holding the system back. Reform isn’t a distant goal — it needs to begin now, and it needs to be sustained over time.”
Lisa Robins, CEO, Patients Australia reinforced the foundational role of general practice in any health system reform.
“If we don’t fix primary care, we don’t fix the system,” Ms Robins said.
“GPs and their teams are the front door to healthcare in Australia. They’re the ones seeing patients every day, managing chronic disease, and keeping people well and out of hospital.”
“Primary care reform isn’t just a health policy issue — it’s a national priority. The health of our entire population depends on a strong, well-resourced, and connected primary care system.”
“This communique is a strong step forward — it’s a signal to government that the sector is ready to work together on reform. Let’s not lose that momentum.”
