productivity commission inquiry into the reform of human services – draft report

This inquiry proposes applying greater competition, contestability and user choice into six areas of human service delivery – public dental services, family & community services, social housing, end of life care, public hospitals and services in remote indigenous communities.
– We express our concerns whether introducing greater competition and contestability would actually improve outcomes for people, particularly in light of the underfunding of these sectors, and argue that rectifying funding shortfalls should be the priority.
– Our submission focuses on responding to the recommendations about public dental services. We emphasise the importance of ensuring that the needs of clients with complex are met, and the social determinants of health considered.