The federal government announced the establishment of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) in February 2008 to advise on future directions of health care delivery in Australia.

In late April, the NHHRC issued its first report, Beyond the blame game, giving its views on key issues for the proper function of the Australian Health Care Agreements.

In this report, the NHHRC has proposed 44 benchmarks to be met by both federal and state governments, where performance should have clear consequences for the accountable party.