The establishment of Commonwealth Carelink Centres will significantly
contribute to the success of the key components of the Government’s EPC
package: the extension of the coordinated care trials and the inclusion of
the general practitioners in the network of services to provide enhanced
primary care for older Australians. The establishment of Commonwealth
Carelink Centres will assist general practitioners and other health
professionals to link with the range of services suitable in meeting an
individual’s needs, which otherwise can be a difficult and time consuming exercise.

Commonwealth Carelink Centres will expand the relationship between the
health and community care sectors in their region. Specifically, Commonwealth
Carelink Centres will be required to: establish and maintain contact with
community care, aged care and other health and support service providers
within their region; facilitate referral to the range of regional community and
other care services, and liase with regional Aged Care Assessment Teams,
Carer Respite Centres and general practitioners. The establishment of links to,
or information regarding, coordinated care trials, residential aged care providers,
disease self management support organisations. And where appropriate rural
health service centres and indigenous health services, is encouraged.