An Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) report has commended the Department of Defence for its progress in improving the effectiveness of the ADF health services.

The objective of the ANAO follow-up audit was to assess Defence's implementation of recommendations made in ANAO's original audit report in 1997.

The 1997 report made 19 recommendations for improved efficiency and cost effectiveness, but found that the ADF provided high quality health services to its members, with a strong emphasis on prevention.

However, the earlier report also said health services administrative structures were complex and fragmented which led to inefficiencies and inequities in the provision of services.

It also found the costs associated with ADF health care were significant and that there was scope for Defence to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Scott, said since the original audit was conducted, ADF health services have been re-organised with a jointly staffed and integrated Defence Health Service being created under the Defence Personnel Executive.

A health and human performance committee has been established, a corporate planning framework developed, and a review of the dental service workforce structure has been carried out.

Mr Scott added that two very significant steps have been the presentation of the ADF Health Status Report and the consequent development of a health promotion program that concentrates on injury prevention and other health issues.