One of Australia’s most respected public service leaders has called on the Labor government to reduce the number of commissioned reviews, citing concerns over their cost and the strain they place on bureaucratic resources. Blair Comley, the Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing, has advised Health Minister Mark Butler to prioritize implementation over analysis in the new parliamentary term. This advice follows more than 70 reviews initiated during Labor’s first three years in office.
In a briefing to the re-elected Albanese government, Comley highlighted that official reviews could exceed $25 million each, consuming substantial departmental resources and contributing to an “already crowded agenda.” He emphasized the need for a shift in focus, stating,
“We have a stock of completed reviews that have consulted widely and include significant recommendations. I would suggest that ‘Even more doing, less reviewing’ would be a good mindset for this term.”
Impact of Excessive Reviews on Government Efficiency
Comley underscored the rising expectations among stakeholders with each review, noting that there is often an assumption that the government will implement all recommendations. He cited the health technology assessment review, which alone proposed 50 reform recommendations, many of which entail significant implementation costs. Other major reviews included the Medicare review, the private hospitals financial health check, and the review of the national disability insurance scheme.
These reviews, while thorough, have led to increased pressure on government resources and have heightened public expectations for swift and comprehensive action. Comley’s remarks suggest that a more strategic approach is needed to balance the pursuit of new insights with the practicalities of policy implementation.
Historical Context and Comley’s Career
The practice of commissioning reviews is not new, but the scale and frequency under the current government have drawn particular scrutiny. Comley’s career provides him with a unique perspective on these issues. Appointed to lead the health department in 2023, Comley was previously dismissed by Tony Abbott as the head of the climate change department a decade earlier. His extensive experience includes roles as a consultant and as the head of the New South Wales premier’s department. Speculation had even positioned him as a potential candidate to lead the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, a position ultimately filled by Treasury boss Steven Kennedy.
Comley’s advice to Butler also touched on the financial constraints facing the government. He suggested that delivering on the findings of various reviews might require reallocating funds from Labor’s election commitments, such as Medicare reform, cheaper medicine prices, addressing workforce challenges, and improving mental health care and Indigenous health.
Fiscal Challenges and Future Directions
The call for fewer reviews comes amid a challenging fiscal environment, with health spending remaining a significant pressure on the federal budget. Comley noted that the department is striving for fiscal discipline and cost minimization, preparing for a 6% to 10% decrease in internal resourcing from the government starting 1 July, with further reductions anticipated in 2026-27.
Despite these challenges, Comley reported significant productivity growth through efficient service delivery, particularly in cancer treatment. However, he acknowledged that less progress has been made in enhancing patients’ quality of life. He concluded,
“The work of the first term gives a strong foundation of robust information, a strong mandate for reform, and the time has come to deliver on priority commitments.”
Comley also recognized that some reviews remain necessary, especially when driven by compelling cases. However, he advised that the threshold for initiating such reviews should be set high to ensure they are truly warranted.
The department’s incoming government brief was delivered to Butler on 13 May. His office has declined to comment on the matter.
