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Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) leads national improvements in the safety and quality of health care to improve health outcomes.

The Commission is a national independent statutory authority, established under the National Health Reform Act 2011. The Commission is jointly funded by the Australian Government and state and territory governments.

Vision and mission

The Commission’s purpose is to lead improvements in the safety and quality of health care so all Australian’s receive better care, everywhere.

The Commission works in partnership with the health system to improve clinical governance, strengthen safety and quality standards, and empower patients, carers and communities.

Through leadership, collaboration and innovation, the Commission aims to reduce harm, improve health outcomes and embed a culture of safety and continuous quality improvement.

How the Commission can help

The Commission:

  • Works with patients, carers, clinicians, and health services to support safe, high-quality care that improves health outcomes.
  • Harnesses evidence and the patient voice, to inform the delivery of high-quality, equitable and sustainable person-centred health care.
  • Provides national leadership, standards and resources to support healthcare organisations to improve safety and quality of care across Australia.
  • Provides tools and information to support shared decision making and empower patients, carers and communities to actively participate in their care.

Information lines / help lines

  • Call 02 9126 3600 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST for general enquiries

Programs, apps and tools

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - ACSQHC – Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Information from this partner

Found 49 results

Commission cognitive impairment resources

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

Reduction in Radiation Exposure to Children and Young People from CT Scans | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

In Australia, many children and young people under the age of 20 have a computed tomography (CT) scan each year.

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

Acute bronchitis: should I take antibiotics? | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

Antibiotics (Antimicrobials) and older people – what you should know | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Older people are more vulnerable to infections and can have different patterns of antimicrobial resistance than younger adults; are more likely to be taking other medication that can interact with antimicrobials; and, can experience more severe side effects from antimicrobials.

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

There is a known issue with the display of Table A2.4 Use of transmission-based precautions in the PDF version of the guidelines.

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

Colonoscopy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - Fact sheet | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

The Commission has developed culturally appropriate resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to help educate them about having a colonoscopy. The resources are based on the national Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard.

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

Comprehensive Care - Element 2: Identifying goals of care - Tips for patients and consumers | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

A goal is about a treatment outcome and the things you want to be able to do. It is important that the healthcare team understands your goals, as it helps them understand what is important to you. It is also important to talk about your goals, as sometimes they might be different to your healthcare team’s goals.

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

Delivering and supporting comprehensive end-of-life care user guide | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Supporting the delivery of excellent end-of-life care is a part of delivering comprehensive care that aligns with the patient’s expressed goals of care and healthcare needs, considers the impact of the patient’s health issues on their life and wellbeing, and is clinically appropriate. It is important that care is provided continuously and collaboratively in line with their diagnoses and agreed goals of care. Their comprehensive care plan should reflect their individual preferences.

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clinical Care Standard - Clinician fact sheet | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

How should care be delivered at the end of life? Information for patients and their families and carers | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

The way that we look after people who are dying is important. Good care at the end of life can help to reduce distress and grief for the person who is dying and for their family, friends and carers.

Read more on ACSQHC for Health Professionals website

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