Tasked with the mission of advancing healthcare data sharing, this new council aims to expedite interoperability in Australia's healthcare landscape.

Peter O'Halloran, the Chief Digital Officer of ADHA, expressed his enthusiasm for the council's formation. He emphasized that the Council would serve as a strategic voice, playing a crucial role in expediting the implementation of the national interoperability plan.

The Council, chaired by Mr. Rob Heferen, CEO of the Australian Institute of Health, is supported by a dedicated secretariat. Its members include representatives from various sectors, including First Nations healthcare, consumer groups, digital health organizations, and peak bodies. Notably, the medical software industry is also represented, although there are currently no members from digital health platform providers.

O'Halloran clarified that while there is commercial expertise within the council, including those operating in the health and aged care sectors, the primary focus is on strategic representation of the healthcare industry. The Council will establish task-specific working groups at an operational level to address specific aspects of interoperability.

According to O'Halloran, the Council fills a crucial gap in achieving interoperability in Australia. The coalition of willing participants is dedicated to swiftly advancing interoperability, aligning with the national interoperability plan that encompasses 44 specific actions. The Council's formation provides a platform for quick progress and ensures that the needs of healthcare professionals and patients are met.

The Council will provide advice to the Department of Health and Aged Care, influencing policies related to interoperability standards, changes in healthcare service delivery, and legislation. It will collaborate with ADHA to determine the right approach and priorities, as well as assess whether the needs of clinicians and patients are being fulfilled.

The Council's work plan aligns with government initiatives such as the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report and the modernization of Australia's ID system. By improving data sharing and enhancing consumer access and control over their health information, the Council aims to place Australians at the center of the healthcare system.

While only two jurisdictions are currently represented in the Council, O'Halloran assured that all states and territories will be briefed on the decisions made, ensuring alignment among them. Regular updates will be published on the ADHA website, providing transparency to the sector and keeping stakeholders informed about progress.

The Council functions as a sounding board for the Department of Health and Aged Care regarding regulatory and legal frameworks necessary for interoperability. It seeks advice from the sector, which then informs policy and regulatory deliberations by the Minister and the Department.

During the inaugural meeting on June 7, the Council received official endorsement from the Department of Health and Aged Care, along with the ADHA, to accelerate health data sharing. Members engaged in discussions about digital health standards and their pivotal role in achieving interoperability. They also contributed to an outcome statement emphasizing the importance of consumer health data sharing for a modern Australian healthcare system.

The Council will convene again on August 10, continuing its efforts to promote connected care and drive interoperability in Australia.