SWSPHN backs review, says reforms will strengthen local healthcare delivery
19 Dec 2025
The review, carried out by Boston Consulting Group between November 2024 and June 2025, assessed how the PHN program operates, what is working well, and where improvements are needed. Its final report, released on 18 December 2025, confirms the ongoing importance of PHNs and outlines recommendations to improve consistency and effectiveness across the national network.
The report recommends simplifying funding arrangements, setting clearer minimum standards for governance and engagement, and reforming the mental health flexible funding stream.
The PHN Cooperative welcomed the findings, saying the changes would help PHNs better align services with local needs, reduce gaps in care, and improve collaboration across the health system. Cooperative spokesperson Matt Jones said the review marked an important step forward for the program.
SWSPHN Acting Chief Executive Officer Amy Prince said the report reflected the strong contribution PHNs have made to community health over the past decade.
“For more than 10 years, SWSPHN has supported primary care through workforce development, local partnerships and community engagement to ensure services meet local needs,” Ms Prince said.
She said the review acknowledged the value of this work and provided a clear pathway to further strengthen the PHN model.
“The recommended reforms will help PHNs respond more effectively to the unique and sometimes complex health needs of their regions,” she said.
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN); PHN Cooperative; Independent Review of the PHN Program, December 2025
