Advocating for doctors: Shaping better healthcare
At Avant, we champion the interests of our members and advocate for a healthcare system grounded in quality, safety and professionalism. As Australia’s largest medical indemnity insurer and a member-owned organisation, we work to influence policy and regulation to support doctors and improve care for the community.
Reframing Access to Care: Insights from Avant’s Canberra Roundtable 2026
Avant’s second Canberra roundtable brings together clinicians, policymakers, and health system leaders to examine what true access to healthcare means in Australia today. Moving beyond affordability alone, the discussion explores the critical roles of availability, system navigability, and long-term viability across both public and private care. Drawing on research, lived experience, and cross-sector perspectives, these materials capture the key challenges and opportunities shaping a more sustainable and accessible health system for all Australians.
Quality Metrics and the Medical Costs Finder
This discussion paper assesses the feasibility and implications of publishing individual practitioner quality data, highlighting the importance of using metrics to drive improvement rather than comparison.
GP Referral Drivers in Australia
This research report provides new evidence on how GPs and patients navigate specialist referrals, revealing that while cost matters, access and clinical factors are the primary influences.
Media release: Quality measures should improve care, not rank specialists
An independent report commissioned by Avant warns that publishing individual specialist quality ratings without robust risk adjustment could mislead patients and create unintended consequences, calling for a more measured approach to quality reporting.
Protecting Australia’s dual healthcare system – Parliament House roundtable 2025
On 1 September 2025, Avant hosted a landmark roundtable at Parliament House, Canberra, led by our Chief Medical Officer Professor Steve Robson. The event brought together senior healthcare leaders to explore the future of private health care in Australia and the reforms needed to ensure a sustainable, equitable system.
The roundtable featured open, solution-focused dialogue among CEOs, medical colleges, patient advocates, rural providers, and private health insurers. Key MPs and Senators also joined the discussion. A strong private health sector is vital to the future of Australian healthcare, and this forum was about listening, collaborating, and building a policy framework that puts patients first.
To help our members engage with and better understand the key issues discussed, Avant has prepared three documents below that offer insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s dual public-private healthcare model. These resources are designed to support your involvement in shaping a stronger, more sustainable health system.
Protecting Australia’s Dual Healthcare System: Economic analysis and policy considerations
The value of the Australian Government rebate on private health insurance.
Executive Summary and Avant’s six principles for reform
Highlighting the rebate’s value and calling for action to preserve access, reduce costs, and ensure the long-term strength of our healthcare system.
Media Release: PHI rebate saves taxpayers more than its costs
Avant is advocating for stronger support of Australia’s dual healthcare system to ensure continued access, affordability, and sustainability for all Australians.
As a mutual, we are committed to using our combined resources and experience to the advantage of our members. Read about Avants' position on issues affecting our members.
Freedom of speech
Avant agrees with the principle of freedom of speech but acknowledges that there are limitations (often enshrined in legislation), not just for doctors but for everyone.
Voluntary assisted dying framework
Any legislative framework must be clear, consistent, and protect health practitioners as well as patients.
Handling professional conduct complaints against doctors
Avant supports a nationally consistent approach to complaints handling, not only in terms of process but also in terms of outcomes.
Primary care reform
Avant believes that a strong and well‑supported primary care sector led by general practice will improve health outcomes for all Australians, especially for those with complex chronic conditions.
Health and wellbeing
Avant believes that to maintain health and wellbeing, doctors need access to appropriate support and services.