New Episodes Cover Reform and Sustainability
Catholic Health Australia (CHA) has introduced ‘Health Matters’, marking the first podcast produced by an Australian health peak body. This podcast will focus on pressing health and aged care issues facing the nation.
Scheduled for monthly release, each episode will tackle significant topics such as aged care reform, workforce sustainability, hospital funding, and palliative care. By addressing these subjects, CHA aims to alleviate pressures within the health and aged care systems.
Jenny Parker, Chair of Catholic Health Australia, stated, “Both health and aged care are at a critical juncture, facing growing demand as well as significant workforce and funding pressures. Getting these systems right matters deeply for every Australian.”
As the peak body representing the largest network of non-government providers in both sectors, CHA is committed to leading conversations about necessary reforms and advocating for its members.
First Episode Highlights
The inaugural episode of ‘Health Matters’ features a discussion between Dr Katharine Bassett, CHA’s Director of Health Policy, and well-known health economist James Downie. They examine inefficiencies caused by legacy funding models and propose a Private National Efficient Price to enhance transparency and sustainability in private hospital funding.
Catholic Health Australia, as the largest non-government, not-for-profit group of health, community, and aged care providers, operates 80 hospitals. These facilities provide around 30% of private hospital care and 5% of public hospital care in Australia. CHA members contribute approximately 12% of all aged care facilities, offering around 20% of home care services.
Twenty-five per cent of their service provision extends to regional, rural, and remote areas, showcasing their extensive reach. “As the peak body representing the largest network of non-government providers across both sectors, CHA has a responsibility to lead conversations about reform,” said Parker.
Listeners can access ‘Health Matters’ through CHA’s website, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. This podcast complements the existing ‘Health Matters’ newsletter, which has kept subscribers informed on key policy issues and updates from CHA’s member organisations since 2017. The newsletter was first published in 2017 and continues to provide insights into health care advancements and challenges.
For more information or to subscribe to the newsletter, visit the CHA website. The organisation continues to engage the public and its members through various channels, ensuring ongoing dialogue and updates on health and aged care matters. Charlie Moore can be contacted for further details at 0452 606 171.
Last updated: 25 April 2026, 9:57 am
