Introduction A country's health system refers to all the institutions, programs, staff, procedures and resources used to meet the health needs of its population. Health systems vary from one country to another, depending on government policies and the health needs of the population. Additionally, health care programs are flexible, meaning they are tailored to meet health care needs as they arise. Stakeholders in the formulation of a country's healthcare system include governments, religious groups, non-governmental organisations, charities, trade unions and interested individuals (Duckett, 2008). These entities formulate, implement, evaluate and reform health services based on the needs of the population groups they serve. Instead, governments have a responsibility to ensure all citizens have access to quality healthcare, especially in public healthcare facilities ( Duckett, 2008 ). Despite the different forms taken by health systems around the world, they appear to have common goals. These goals include, among others, good health of their populations, fairness and equality in health care financing. To achieve these goals, the functions to be performed include generating more resources, providing health services and good leadership/management. This article explores the Australian healthcare system, particularly its challenges, strengths, weaknesses and proposed reforms. The Australian healthcare system The Australian healthcare system includes both public and private healthcare sub-sectors. The health system deals with the financing, formulation, implementation, evaluation and reform of health services. The main sources of f...... middle of paper ......For Public Health? Medical journal. Retrieved March 29, 2011, from http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/188_12_160608/rus10476_fm.html.Productivity Commission (2006) Australian health workforce. Research report. Canberra: Productivity Commission. Retrieved March 29, 2011, from http://www.pc.gov.au/study/healthworkforce/finalreport/index.html.Turrell, G. et al. (2006) Health inequalities in Australia: morbidity, health behaviours, risk factors and use of health services. Canberra: Queensland University of Technology and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2006. Retrieved March 29, 2011, from http://152.91.62.50/publications/phe/hiamhbrfhsu/hiamhbrfhsu-c00.pdf.Van Der Weyden, MB ( 2006) It's time to change and resolve. Medical journal. Retrieved March 29, 2011, from http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/187_11_031207/van11312_fm.html.