Active Living among priorities identified in Victoria's new four-year health plan

Active Living, improved wellbeing and healthy eating are among the ten priorities identified for action in the Victorian Government’s new four-year plan for a healthier State.

Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas this week tabled the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2023-2027 in Parliament, which outlines the key priorities over the next four years to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.

Minister Thomas notes “we’ve developed this Health and Wellbeing Plan based on expert advice and the latest population health data - it shows that together we can take action to protect health,prevent illness and ensure Victorians are healthier than ever before.

“We’ve connected with the community, different levels of government and have brought the views and input of Victorians together to shape this four year vision, and guide us towards a healthier future.”

The plan identifies ten priority areas for action:

1. Improving sexual health and reproductive health

2. Reducing harm from tobacco and e-cigarette use

3. Improving wellbeing

4. Increasing healthy eating

5. Increasing active living

6. Reducing harm from alcohol and drug use

7. Tackling climate change and its impacts on health

8. Preventing all forms of violence

9. Reducing injury

10. Decreasing antimicrobial resistance across human and animal health.

The plan is the key framework for the whole of Government and its partners, including local government, guiding work to prevent illness and protect the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.

More than a third of the disease experienced by Australians is preventable, and this updated plan aims to address risk factors to keep Victorians healthy and free of preventable health conditions.

That means improving health equity and removing the barriers that some populations experience in accessing health and wellbeing services - a key focus of the plan.

Aligning with existing plans like the National Tobacco Strategy 2022–2030, the plan will guide the work of state and local governments, health services and providers, businesses and employers, and the wider community to provide a framework for the health and wellbeing of every Victorian.

Under the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, a statewide public health and wellbeing plan is required every four years.

For more information, the plan is available at health.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-health-and-wellbeing-plan

Image. Credit: AUScycling