Building Capacity for the Future

27 Feb 2026

Key Priorities for South Australia’s Health System

At a recent gathering of health leaders, South Australia’s Minister for Health, the Hon Chris Picton MP, provided a timely overview of the government’s priorities for strengthening the state’s health system. Speaking to members of the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM), the Minister outlined a clear shift in focus – from an era defined by efficiency and constraint, to one centred on growth, sustainability, and long-term capability.

This shift reflects the lasting lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the limits of a system that had long been asked to do more with less. In response, the government has committed to expanding physical infrastructure, growing the workforce, and improving access to care. Additional beds are coming online across major services including Flinders Medical Centre, the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, and Mount Barker, while investment in SA Ambulance Service capacity has contributed to improvements in response times. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to ensuring the system is equipped to meet both current demand and future population needs. 

Mental health was highlighted as a key area of investment and reform. More than 130 additional mental health beds are being introduced across the system, including 44 new beds at Modbury Hospital. Importantly, the government is also investing in alternative models of care, with three new mental health assessment centres designed to provide specialist support outside of traditional Emergency Department settings. This represents a meaningful step towards more appropriate, patient-centred pathways for individuals experiencing mental health crises. 

Workforce growth and sustainability remain central to the government’s agenda. Record levels of recruitment are underway, with a focus on strengthening capacity across metropolitan, regional, and remote South Australia. Partnerships with universities are being expanded to support health professional education in country areas, helping to build a pipeline of future clinicians and address longstanding workforce distribution challenges. Alongside this, there is a renewed emphasis on enabling clinicians to work at the top of their scope of practice, ensuring skills are utilised effectively across the system. 

Looking ahead, demographic change presents one of the most significant challenges. South Australia’s population is ageing rapidly, with the number of people aged over 80 expected to double over the next two decades. In response, the government is working with aged care providers to increase capacity, including plans to develop up to 600 aged care beds on the existing Women’s and Children’s Hospital site once the new hospital is complete. These initiatives reflect a broader recognition that healthcare delivery must evolve to meet the needs of an older population with increasingly complex care requirements. 

The Minister also emphasised the importance of innovation, prevention, and leadership in shaping the future of healthcare. Preventive Health SA has been established to focus on reducing the burden of disease and keeping people well, while digital technologies and artificial intelligence are expected to play an increasingly important role in service delivery. At the same time, there is a strong focus on leadership, organisational culture, and strengthening partnerships – particularly with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations – to improve outcomes for Aboriginal South Australians.

For healthcare leaders and professionals across the sector, the message was clear: the next phase of health system reform in South Australia will be defined by investment, workforce growth, innovation, and a renewed focus on long-term sustainability. As these initiatives progress, they will shape not only the capacity of the system, but also the leadership and talent required to guide it into the future.