The HC Coombs Policy Forum at The Australian National University is organised a high-level workshop that focused on developments in health systems reform in countries such as US, UK, Canada, the Netherlands and Australia. There was a facilitated discussion on about five topics. Lead commentary was provided by Professor Ted Marmor (an international expert on health systems) and Dr Kieke Okma (also an expert on comparing national health systems with particular interest in Dutch reforms) and also an Australian health official, chaired by Professor Andrew Podger.