We are extremely disappointed by the Victorian Government's recent announcement of a ten per cent reduction to the community health services' health promotion budget.
In a recent letter to Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, we have expressed our concern this budget reduction will have on the health sector in Victoria.
It is estimated that every $1 spent on health prevention strategies can save up to $14 on costs associated with treatment. We believe that based on these figures, prevention should be at the core of a comprehensive health care system.
We anticipate the reduced funding will have a detrimental impact across the Mornington Peninsula. Our local community health services deliver essential evidence-based prevention initiatives that help keep the community healthy, reducing the cost burden of hospital admissions and treatment.
We strongly believe this funding cut sends the wrong message to our community, diminishing the importance of vital prevention work to those who need it most.
In the current environment of inflation, rate capping and budget restrictions , without the full support and adequate resourcing of Peninsula Health by the Victorian Government, the Shire will simply not have enough resources to deliver essential public health and wellbeing initiatives.
Our long-standing partnership with Peninsula Health, whose role and capacity has been essential to the delivery of many successful evidence-based programs for more than 10 years, is invaluable. Previous programs include our Best Bites initiative, Smoke Free Environments policy as well as community engagement with schools, early childhood services, sporting clubs and recreation centres.
These programs and community engagement stem from the health promotion actions outlined in our Council and Wellbeing Plan, which align with the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023. To view our Council and Wellbeing Plan, please visit our website:mornpen.vic.gov.au/councilplan
We strongly encourage the Minister for Health to respond to our concerns and clarify how the Victorian Government will address the resourcing gaps caused from the 10 per cent reduction to prevention and health promotion services.
To view the Victorian Budget 23/24, please visit their website: budget.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
"A reduction in funding by the State Government for preventative health measures is simply unacceptable. We are extremely disappointed in the Victorian Government's proposed changes in the May Budget and await urgent consideration from the Minister for Health.
"We strongly believe that a 10 per cent cut in health promotion will have irreversible and detrimental impact on both the local Mornington Peninsula and wider Victorian community."
Quotes attributable to Chair, Health and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Antonella Celi:
"The Shire values our long-standing partnership with Peninsula Health as well as community health service and promotion teams whose role is fundamental in the delivery of many successful preventative health programs for our community.
"We are very concerned that the budget reductions will diminish the importance and delivery of vital preventative strategies that enhance the health and wellbeing of our community."
