Western Australian community to benefit from new era of health promotion

Health promotion in Western Australia has marked a significant milestone with new legislation enacted to govern the Healthway health promotion agency.

The independent statutory agency, which promotes and facilitates good health and activities that encourage healthy lifestyles, has also had a new board appointed.

The legislation and new board follow the resignation of the former board after a Public Sector Commission report uncovered misuse of tickets and hospitality for properties sponsored by Healthway by the board and its staff.

Following a review of the organisation, the new Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation Act 2016 removed Healthway's governance from within an Act relating to tobacco control, establishing it under its own legislation.

Introducing the changes, Western Australian Health Minister John Day stated “the community will welcome the modernisation of Healthway.

“One of the key changes is the appointment of board members based on the best mix of expertise and experience required for successful health promotion activities across the State.”

The seven-member board will be chaired by Professor Bryant Stokes as Presiding Member.

Minister Day added "Professor Stokes is renowned for the dedication and knowledge he has brought to his various leadership roles across the Western Australian health sector.

"This includes his recent work as chairman of Healthway's interim board whose stewardship has been vital throughout the transition to the new legislative and governance arrangements."

Fiona Kalaf, Chief Executive at Youth Focus Inc, has been appointed the new board's Deputy Presiding Member and will be joined by board members Nathan Giles, Executive Director, Perth Public Art Foundation; Steve Harris, Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, Director of Education and Research at the Cancer Council WA; sport and exercise physician Dr Roslyn Carbon and Fremanlte Dockers President Ricky Burges.

Minister Day concluded “the new legislation and board reflects Healthway's evolution and importance, especially in the face of rising health care costs.

"We're aiming for a win-win, with health promotion not only improving the quality of people's lives but also helping reduce pressure on the health system."

For more information go to www.healthway.wa.gov.au 

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