The Andrews Labor Government will establish an expert taskforce to identify ways to strengthen the role of Victoria’s community health sector.
The Taskforce will be chaired by former Plenty Valley Community Health chief executive Phillip Bain and will include members from community health services, as well as representatives from the Victorian Healthcare Association, other key organisations and service users.
Victoria’s community health sector supports the health and wellbeing of many people, including disadvantaged Victorians – but Turnbull Government cuts have put pressure on these services, which has hit disadvantaged and vulnerable Victorians hard.
The Taskforce will work with the sector and others to identify a shared vision for the role and priorities for community health now and into the future.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 includes $292 million for community health care, giving health and social care services in disadvantaged communities more opportunities to provide Victorians with the support and treatment they need.
Community health services offer a range of programs and services that keep people happy and healthy, or out of hospital. They also play a pivotal role preventing chronic diseases in the community.
The Taskforce will work with community health services, peak bodies, key organisations and communities to set out plans to grow the sector, so that it can give more Victorians the support and treatment they need.
For more information visit health.vic.gov.au/CHtaskforce.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We’re establishing an expert taskforce to ensure our community health services can give Victorians who depend on them better care and support.”
“Community health services help Victorians live happy and healthy lives, boost independence and stave off chronic disease.”
“The Taskforce will work closely with staff at the coal face and Victorians who use our community health services to identify how Government and the sector can work stronger together.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020