Health service integration
The benefits
The National Health Strategy1 likened Australia's health care system to a jigsaw puzzle, comprising an
overabundance of relatively autonomous health purchasers (Commonwealth and state governments, insurance
companies and individuals) and service providers (public, private and non-profit organisations). The Council of
Australian Governments2 expressed similar sentiments, insisting that there is an urgent need for major systemic
change in the way that services are organised and funded to enhance linkages between health and community
services and improve the health system as a whole.