Report of Independent Review of Hearing Services Program

Since its inception in 1997, the Australian Government's Hearing Services Program (Program) has been highly valued by individuals with hearing loss, and those who support them in their personal and work lives.

However, as the current arrangements for delivery of hearing services through the Program have remained largely unchanged since its establishment, a review of the current arrangements is timely.

I have recently received the Report of the Independent Review of the Hearing Services Program from the Expert Panel of Professor Michael Woods and Dr Zena Burgess, supported by the Hearing Services Review Taskforce, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank them for their work over the past 12 months.

I understand that the Expert Panel, in drafting this comprehensive Report, has undertaken extensive consultation, including two rounds of public consultation and associated meetings with stakeholders including the hearing care industry; consumer advocate groups and clients; professional associations; and academics. I would like to extend my gratitude to these stakeholders for their contribution during both phases of consultation and encourage their ongoing involvement as we progress to the implementation phase of the Review. I have every confidence that the Expert Panel has considered this feedback in finalising this Report.

The focus of the Report is on improving client-focused care, noting that over half of all eligible people with hearing loss are not taking active advantage of the services available. Through its recommendations, the Expert Panel has aimed to ensure that the Program is in a better position to optimise outcomes for its clients through increased choice and control; and improving the equity, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of service delivery, while also ensuring good governance; and modernising key components of the Program in the context of changes in consumer expectations, market changes and technological developments.

I will be considering the Report in more detail in the coming months. In the meantime, my Department will continue to engage with the sector on recommendations from the Report which will improve the scope and operation of the Program. Any recommendations which are likely to have a significant impact on consumers, the professional workforce and industry, would also benefit from further consultation with the hearing sector to ensure successful implementation.

There are some recommendations, however, that are more complex and require a longer period of time for the Government to formally respond to, including those that involve changes to existing legislation and/or, have fiscal impacts.

I encourage you to read the Report which will be published on the Hearing Services Program website shortly, and to continue to be involved in the ongoing implementation of the recommendations.