If you’ve ever felt like the government spends more time talking about what needs fixing than actually fixing it, you’re not alone.
In fact, one of Australia’s most respected public servants has just sounded the alarm on this very issue, and the revelations are eye-opening.
Blair Comley, the secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, has urged the Albanese government to hit pause on the endless cycle of reviews and inquiries.
In a candid briefing to Health Minister Mark Butler—recently released under Freedom of Information (FoI) laws—Comley warned that the sheer volume of government-commissioned reviews is costly and risks overwhelming public servants and raising public expectations to unsustainable levels.
A review of reviews: The numbers don’t lie
Let’s put this into perspective. In just three years of Labor’s first term, more than 70 reviews were either commissioned, consulted on, or published.
That’s more than two reviews every month! And these aren’t just quick check-ins—some reviews, Comley notes, can cost upwards of $25 million each.
That’s a hefty price tag, especially when you consider the resources and time they soak up from already stretched departments.
Comley’s advice was clear: ‘Even more doing, less reviewing would be a good mindset for this term.’
He pointed out that with every new review, stakeholder expectations rise. There’s a growing assumption that the government will implement every recommendation, which isn’t always feasible—especially when some reviews, like the health technology assessment, come with 50 recommendations and significant implementation costs.
The real cost: More than just dollars
It’s not just about the money. The constant churn of reviews can bog down the very people tasked with making real change happen.
Public servants are left juggling a crowded agenda, with precious time diverted from action to analysis.
And while robust consultation is important, there comes a point where the focus needs to shift from talking to doing.
Comley’s warning comes at a time when the government is facing a tight fiscal environment.
Health spending is one of the biggest pressures on the federal budget, and the department is already bracing for a 6 per cent to 10 per cent cut in internal resources from July, with more cuts expected in the coming years.
Despite these challenges, Comley says the department is delivering productivity gains—particularly in cancer treatment—but admits there’s still work to be done in improving patients’ quality of life.
A call for action, not just analysis
So, what’s the solution? Comley suggests that the government should set a much higher bar for launching new reviews.
Only when there’s a compelling case—such as a clear gap in knowledge, a major policy shift, or a pressing public concern—should a new inquiry be considered.
Otherwise, it’s time to roll up the sleeves and get on with delivering on the many recommendations already on the table.
He also flagged that delivering on the findings of these reviews might mean making tough choices about where to spend limited funds.
That could mean prioritising election commitments like Medicare reform, cheaper medicines, workforce challenges, and improvements in mental health and Indigenous health.
A broader trend: Is this just health, or everywhere?
While Comley’s advice was directed at the health portfolio, the issue of ‘review fatigue’ is hardly unique to one department.
Across government, there’s a growing sense that Australia risks becoming a nation of endless inquiries, with not enough follow-through.
It’s a pattern that can frustrate not just public servants, but also the Australians who rely on government services and expect real, tangible improvements.
Why does this happen?
There are a few reasons why governments love a good review. They can buy time, deflect criticism, and show that something is being done—even if the real action is still years away.
Reviews can also help build consensus and gather evidence for tough decisions. But as Comley points out, when reviews become the default response, they can end up delaying the very reforms they’re meant to support.
What’s next?
The incoming government brief was handed to Minister Butler in May, but his office has declined to comment on the advice.
Meanwhile, the public service is left to grapple with the challenge of doing more with less, and Australians are left waiting for the promised improvements to materialise.
Your turn: Have your say
Have you noticed the government commissioning review after review, but not seeing much change on the ground?
Do you think we need more action and less analysis, or are reviews a necessary part of good governance? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
Let’s get the conversation started: Is it time for Australia to stop reviewing and start doing?
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This problem is not in the Federal Government but also exists in State & Local Government Departments.
Instead of implementing the recommendations of previous reports,, they commission a new report, which quite often comes back with the same or similar recommendations, and the cost could have been used in starting the Implementation of the existing recommendations.
Edit:- This problem is not JUST in the Federal Government ……