It is rolling out the upgraded family medicine ‘model practices' nationwide and has also increased medical training capacity, both to improve access to care in underserved areas and as a more efficient way of meeting need. Increasing the use of day care, further rationalising the hospital sector (and the oversupply of small regional hospitals), as well as improving the payment and procurements systems could all boost efficiency further. After years of delays and abandoned reform efforts, the government has made tangible progress with a new National Health Plan that sets out future directions. It is unclear whether proposals on longterm care will be supported, which aim to develop an affordable, effective and sustainable response to the needs of a rapidly ageing population.