Executive General Manager's foreword

After the recent federal election, the Australian Labor Party was elected with an outright majority. This election result brings with it investment in and opportunity for the primary health care sector.

Among the key commitments made by the new Government is the establishment of 50 additional Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (MUCC) across Australia, with six new clinics announced for Western Australia in Bateman, Ellenbrook, Geraldton, Mirrabooka, Mundaring, and Yanchep. WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) has already commenced planning for commissioning these new MUCCs.

Additionally, $225 million has been allocated for 31 new and upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres nationally, with six centres in Western Australia (sites to be advised by the Australian Government) to be established in 2026-27. WAPHA is meeting with the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) to progress planning in the coming weeks, and we will provide additional advice to the sector shortly.

In the area of women’s health, the Australian Government has committed $573.3 million to support women’s reproductive health, providing better access to contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies, and expanding endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics.

There is more than $200 million for 58 new, upgraded or expanded headspace services nationally, and $500 million for 20 youth specialist care centres for young people with complex needs. Furthermore, $90 million has been allocated for more than 1200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.

The Australian Government has also committed to a significant investment in primary health care workforce and strengthening Medicare reform measures through bulk billing and 1800MEDICARE.

These commitments reflect a strong focus on improving access to primary health care, supporting mental health services, and strengthening Medicare. As we know more, we will continue to keep you informed and updated to ensure we continue to deliver high-quality care to our communities.

Thank you for your continued support, dedication and commitment to the many communities you serve.

Kind Regards

Mark Cockayne

Executive General Manager Commissioned Services

General information

WA Primary Health Alliance's Performance Management Framework - Resources 

The Performance Management Framework promotes collaboration between WAPHA and commissioned service providers through regular, transparent communication, early support and shared contribution to quality improvement of services. It supports commissioned service providers to gain insights from data to continually improve the delivery of safe, high quality and reliable care. 

Learn more about the up-to-date resources available for service providers here.

Translating and Interpreting Service for Primary Health Network commissioned mental health services 

The Translating and Interpreting Service, funded by DoHAC, delivers high quality, cost effective and secure interpreting services for individuals who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.

Find out more

Integrated Team Care - Update 

On behalf of the Australian Government, WAPHA commissions Integrated Team Care (ITC) activities.  This program supports Aboriginal people who live with complex chronic conditions. It often provides one-on-one support to help people manage their conditions and get the health care they need. It also helps health services provide culturally appropriate care.

DoHAC has undertaken a review if the ITC program and is considering recommendations regarding options to transition commissioning accountability to the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector.

A recent status update on the ITC program was sent from DoHAC to ITC stakeholders.  The update covered the following:

• Work on the ITC grant extensions for 2025-26 is ongoing. Letters of comfort were issued to current commissioning bodies in February, but offering of deeds/schedule variations was placed on hold during the caretaker period. This work will now resume.
• Targeted consultations about a future model are continuing with a small group of stakeholders. A PHN Roundtable is scheduled for late May, with broader engagement planned for the coming months. 
• DoHAC is in the process of engaging data consultants to review the distribution of ITC funding and assess the gap in resourcing required to address chronic disease management needs for First Nations people. 
• The ITC transition fact sheet and FAQs are published on DoHAC's website and available here. 
• DoHAC is considering innovative approaches to the ITC program put forward by some providers and intends to engage further on these.

Service Provider Panel meeting - Mental health service provision

In early April, WAPHA hosted the first Service Provider Panel session for 2025, facilitated by Dr Daniel Rock – WAPHA’s Principal Advisor and Research Director. The conversation centred around current state mental health service provision and offered a discussion around opportunities and barriers to service delivery.

Read the session summary

WA Primary Health Alliance launches Care of Chronic Conditions Strategy 

WAPHA is committed to enhancing the quality and accessibility of person-centered primary health care for people with chronic conditions who need it the most.  Our newly released Chronic Conditions Care Strategy (2025-2027) outlines the principles underpinning our Chronic Conditions Program framework and associated care models.  Developed in line with our Strategic Plan (2024-2026), the Strategy provides an overview of WAPHA’s priorities and strategic directions for chronic conditions care.

Take a look at the Care of Chronic Conditions Strategy

Nominations for the 2025 WA Mental Health Awards open 

Nominations are now open for the 2025 WA Mental Health Awards. It's Western Australia’s annual opportunity to celebrate individuals, organisations and projects making an impact in mental health in Western Australia.

Nominations close 30 July 2025.

Nominate now

News and media

Excellence in information security 

WAPHA has achieved ISO 27001:2022 Certification, reflecting the organisation’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of information security management.

This accomplishment confirms WAPHA has a system in place to manage risks related to the security of the data it holds, and that it respects all the best practices and principles enshrined in this International Standard. It was achieved by thorough risk assessments, strong access controls and monitoring mechanisms to manage cybersecurity threats

Read more

National Palliative Care Week - What's your plan?

The 11-17 May is National Palliative Care Week. It is an important time to start conversations about what matters most at the end of life. It also provides an opportunity to break down taboos, dispel myths, and empower the choices that need to be considered with terminal illness and ageing.

There are a number of resources for health professionals and service providers available to download on Palliative Care Australia’s website.

Read more about WAPHA’s commitment to improving awareness of and access to safe, quality palliative care at home.

Procurement and contracting

Cessation of Care Planning and Coordination and Primary Care at Home services 

Due to viability issues, two services funded by WAPHA and delivered by Silverchain will, regrettably, be discontinued on Friday, 27 June 2025. This is despite the concerted efforts of both organisations.

Primary Care at Home is currently provided in Perth North and Perth South PHNs, while Care Planning and Coordination is available exclusively in Wanneroo. No further referrals are being accepted to either service which cater to a limited number of complex clients.

Silverchain will ensure the remaining clients are responsibly discharged by coordinating with their nominated GPs, where applicable, or offer alternate referrals for clients requiring ongoing support.

WAPHA remains focused on ensuring the services it commissions achieve the greatest impact within the constraints of limited funding and explores all viable alternatives before ceasing a service.

Register to be notified of upcoming tenders.

Training and events

Resources