Health system organization and governance in Canada and Australia: a comparison of historical developments, recent policy changes and future implications

The Canadian and Australian health systems have evolved in very similar ways. Recent policy changes in each country, however, suggest a growing divergence with respect to governance. This paper traces the origins and key milestones in the evolution of governance models, with a selective focus on two provinces in Canada (Saskatchewan and Alberta) and the state of New South Wales in Australia. While divergent models seem to be manifesting, many similar underlying features remain. We assess these developments and comment on the current patterns of organization and governance, both to provide insights on future directions and to suggest what the two countries might learn from each other.