Defence has signed a new $85 million contract to deliver pathology services to Australian Defence Force personnel, which is expected to drive greater access to health care.
Australian healthcare provider Healius Pty Ltd will deliver pathology services to ADF personnel from April 2026 under an initial five-year contract.
Director General of Health Business and Plans Brigadier Toni Bushby said it was good news for ADF personnel and clinicians.
"The new pathology provider will enable the Defence health system to deliver increased levels of health care to the men and women of the ADF," Brigadier Bushby said.
"It will mean greater access to pathology services, especially in high-volume health centres where requests for blood testing are greatest."
The new pathology contract is part of a multi-stage procurement process for a new contracted health services provider. The current ADF Health Services contract, delivered by Bupa, expires on June 30, 2027. Defence has begun the procurement process for the new Australian Defence Contracted Health System (ADCHS), focused on supporting healthcare delivery to the future ADF.
Brigadier Bushby said the new health service provider would need to demonstrate its ability to meet the health and wellbeing needs of ADF personnel as the workforce grows.
"Defence is seeking an industry partner capable of delivering a modern, efficient and flexible approach for the delivery of health services to the ADF to ensure our people can serve well, live well and age well," Brigadier Bushby said.
"Defence is committed to continually improving healthcare delivery to support our people. This includes optimisation of support to diverse populations and force elements, a renewed focus on support to command, and seeking solutions that provide equitable access to health care, irrespective of posted location.
"The ADCHS procurement is not a like-for-like contract replacement. This ADCHS is responding to the changing global strategic context, prioritising access to care for our people and force readiness requirements to meet operational capability."
