The objectives for the after hours GP helpline that are to be delivered through this procurement are:

(a) to improve national access to quality healthcare regardless of population group or geographic location so that the Australian public has better overall access and equity of access to the most appropriate health care advice and information;

(b) to provide an improved experience for people accessing the service where they are able to have their health issues addressed in the after hours period without the need to access face to face services or be effectively linked to local services if needed;

(c) to contribute to Australians having greater confidence and capacity to manage their own health;

(d) to be an adjunct to general practice, especially in rural and remote areas, that promotes the "medical home" and Continuity of Care for people accessing the Service;

(e) to be an effective primary care service that may be used by general practitioners during the after hours period to safely provide care for their patients, when they are unable to do so and have no alternative;

(f) to optimise cost efficiency and achieve economies of scale in delivery of the Service;
(g) to achieve consistent national standards of treatment services, health information and advice through robust governance, agreed protocols and staff training and review programs;

(h) to provide an infrastructure platform for the roll-out of health or health related solutions using the Service;
(i) to provide opportunities for forewarning and handling national, State and Territory health emergencies;
(j) to understand users of the after hours GP helpline in order to optimise the provision of telehealth or e-Health services to the Australian community;

(k) that the health status of Australians is improved; and
(l) that demand for health services is managed more efficiently and effectively.