Our purpose is to contribute to better health outcomes and experiences for all patients and consumers, and improved value and sustainability in the health system by leading and coordinating national improvements in the safety and quality of health care. Within this overarching purpose, the Commission aims to ensure that people are kept safe when they receive health care and that they receive the care they should.

The functions of the Commission are specified in section 9 of the National Health Reform Act 2011, and include:

• Formulating standards, guidelines and indicators relating to healthcare safety and quality
• Advising health ministers on national clinical standards
• Promoting, supporting and encouraging the implementation of these standards, and related guidelines and indicators
• Monitoring the implementation and impact of the standards
• Promoting, supporting and encouraging the implementation of programs and initiatives relating to healthcare safety and quality
• Formulating model national schemes that provide for the accreditation of organisations that provide healthcare services, and relate to healthcare safety and quality
• Publishing reports and papers relating to healthcare safety and quality.