Over the last decade, Victoria’s health system has navigated complex challenges. Rising chronic disease, combined with the impacts of an ageing population have required changes to the types of services Victorians require, and when and where they need to be delivered. At the same time, the rising cost of living has had impacts for the sustainability of health systems in Victoria and across the globe.
As a sector representing one-third of the current state’s Budget ($31 billion), healthcare is an essential service and expected to be a major focus across the forthcoming election. Increasing demand for healthcare requires a forward-looking approach that prioritises prevention and early intervention, sustainable and long-term funding cycles, strategic workforce and infrastructure planning and digital reform and innovation. The VHA has put forward 6 priorities for the Victorian Public Healthcare System: