AGY-4572 | Health Services Planning Committee associated with the Sydney Region Outline Plan, 1970-2000

Full description

In March 1968, the State Planning Authority published the Sydney Region Outline Plan, 1970-2000, which set out broad proposals for the development of the Sydney area. The Health Services Planning Committee was set up to examine present and possible future health services in the light of the Outline Plan.(1) After receiving approval from the Public Service Board in July 1969, the Committee was established and held its first meeting on 14 August 1969 in the office of the Director of State Health Services.(2)

The Health Services Planning Committee’s terms of reference decided upon were: to determine the objectives and functions of a health service; identify the present known health problems; the services that should be provided in order that the objectives may be achieved; the means by which unknown and future health problems may be ascertained; the relationship between health and welfare services; and the organisation of health and welfare services.

The Committee consisted of the following nine members: Dr E.S.A. Meyers (Chairman), Dr W.A. Barclay, Mr J.W. Cape, Dr R.E. Davies, Dr A. Douglas, Dr I.K. Hay, Dr S. Sax, Dr D.M. Storey, and Mr G.W. Slough. At the time of the Committee’s establishment, the Department of Health was proposing to establish a Research and Planning Division and it was likely the Health Services Planning Committee would set out the principles as a basis for the Division’s detailed work. A sub-committee was established at the first meeting to draft the objectives and functions of the health service.(3)

By November 1970, the Committee became aware of a Steering Committee associated with the Division of Research and Planning that was undertaking similar work to itself. As a result, the Chairman suggested the Services Planning Committee by disbanded and only three further meetings were held, with the final meeting being held on 8 November 1971.(4)


Endnotes
1. Concise Guide to the State Archives (H-K): Health, d. Health Services Planning Committee associated with the Sydney Region Outline Plan, 1970-2000.
2. Minutes of the Health Services Planning Committee associated with the Sydney Region Outline Plan, 1970-2000, 14 August 1969, State Records’ reference 6/4494.
3. loc. cit..
4. Minutes of the Health Services Planning Committee associated with the Sydney Region Outline Plan, 1970-2000, 16 November 1970, State Records reference 6/4494.