Primary Health Networks Commissioning of Multidisciplinary Teams

Objective:

• Improve access to affordable multidisciplinary team care.
• Support management of chronic conditions.
• Reduce avoidable hospitalisations.
• Align with recommendations from the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Small, solo, rural, remote, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
• Health professionals forming MDTs including allied health professionals (e.g., dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists), Aboriginal health workers, nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, and assistant health workers.

Funding Details:

• Eligible Primary Health Networks (PHNs) can apply for up to AUD 1.497 million over two years (2025-26).
• Funding is to commission MDT care for services too small to engage their own multidisciplinary workforce through other funding streams.

Application Process:

• Only invited PHNs are eligible to apply.
• Applications must be submitted via the GrantConnect portal by the closing date (25 June 2025, 2:00 pm ACT time).
• Applicants must submit a completed application form with necessary attachments.
• Confirmation of submission is sent via automated email; technical support available via GrantConnect Helpdesk.
• Application files should follow specified naming and format guidelines:
• No special characters
• Max five files
• No macros or password protection

Key Features:

• Emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance chronic disease management.
• Inclusion of a broad range of health professionals to form MDTs.
• Focus on underserved and smaller health services, especially in rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities.
• Non-competitive, closed selection process limited to invited PHNs.
• Detailed guidelines and addenda available for applicants to ensure compliance.

This program aims to strengthen primary health care delivery by enabling small and remote health services to access comprehensive multidisciplinary care, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing hospital admissions.