One of Australia’s most esteemed public service leaders has called on the Labor government to curtail its reliance on costly and time-consuming reviews. Blair Comley, the secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, has advised Health Minister Mark Butler to shift focus towards implementation rather than analysis, following an influx of over 70 inquiries during Labor’s initial term in office.
In a briefing to the re-elected Albanese government, Comley highlighted that each official review could exceed $25 million, consuming substantial departmental resources and inflating public expectations.
“We have a stock of completed reviews that have consulted widely and include significant recommendations,” Comley stated in documents released under freedom of information rules. “I would suggest that ‘Even more doing, less reviewing’ would be a good mindset for this term.”
The announcement comes as the government grapples with a tight fiscal environment, where health spending remains a significant pressure on the federal budget. Comley noted that the department is striving for fiscal discipline, anticipating a 6% to 10% reduction in internal resources from July 1, with further cuts expected by 2026-27.
Implications of Excessive Reviews
Comley pointed to the government’s health technology assessment review, which alone proposed 50 recommendations for reform, many carrying substantial implementation costs. Other significant reviews included the Medicare review, the private hospitals financial health check, and the national disability insurance scheme review.
According to Comley, the expectation that the government will adopt all recommendations from these reviews is unrealistic and burdensome.
“With each review, stakeholder expectations continue to rise,” he warned. “There is an expectation that government will adopt all recommendations of these reviews.”
Historical Context and Expert Opinions
Blair Comley, appointed by the Albanese government to lead the health department in 2023, brings a wealth of experience. Previously dismissed by Tony Abbott as the climate change department head, Comley has also served as a consultant and led the New South Wales premier’s department. His name was even considered for the head of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet after Glyn Davis’s departure, though the role ultimately went to Treasury boss Steven Kennedy.
Experts argue that while reviews are essential for informed policy-making, an over-reliance can lead to analysis paralysis. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a public policy analyst, commented,
“Reviews are crucial, but when they become excessive, they can stifle action. The government needs to balance review with implementation.”
Moving Forward: Balancing Reviews and Action
Comley’s advice to Minister Butler suggests that delivering on review findings may require reallocating funds from Labor’s election commitments, such as Medicare reform, cheaper medicine prices, and improvements in mental health care and Indigenous health. This strategy aims to ensure that priority commitments are met without further straining the budget.
Significant productivity growth is reportedly being achieved through efficient service delivery, particularly in cancer treatment. However, Comley acknowledged that fewer gains have been made in enhancing patients’ quality of life.
“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,” he affirmed. “There will be reviews that make sense where there is a compelling case due to one or more of the three motivations, but the bar should be set high.”
The department’s incoming government brief was delivered to Butler on May 13, though his office has declined to comment on the matter. As the government navigates these challenges, the focus will likely remain on achieving a delicate balance between necessary reviews and decisive action.
