Victorian Government Plans to Abolish VicHealth Amidst Widespread Criticism

The Victorian Allan government has announced plans to abolish VicHealth, a long-standing statutory health promotion entity, and integrate its operations and $45 million annual budget into the state's Department of Health. This decision, stemming from a public service review, has drawn significant criticism from a broad coalition of public health experts, organizations, and even former Labor and Liberal ministers, who voice deep concerns about the future of preventive health programs.

"The proposed abolition of VicHealth as an independent entity could erode its funding and programs, warn public health experts."

Government Proposal: Integration into Department of Health

The Allan government's proposal outlines the abolition of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) as a standalone statutory body. Its operations and approximate $45 million budget would subsequently be absorbed into the Department of Health.

This strategic shift follows a recommendation from a review of the Victorian public service, spearheaded by former top bureaucrat Helen Silver. The review concluded that while VicHealth performs crucial work in chronic disease prevention, it no longer necessitates independent operation and could seamlessly integrate into the Health Department without compromising service quality. VicHealth is one of 29 public entities identified for abolition, merger, or absorption based on the findings of the Silver review.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas highlighted that the public health landscape has significantly evolved since some critics held ministerial positions. A government spokesperson further explained that integrating VicHealth aims to reduce duplication and enhance the focus of public health resources. The abolition of VicHealth as an independent entity will also require specific changes to the state's tobacco laws.

VicHealth's Origins: A Bipartisan Legacy

VicHealth was established as a statutory entity in 1987, almost 40 years ago. It was uniquely funded by tobacco excise, with its core mission to sever the link between professional sport and tobacco advertising by substituting it with government-funded health promotions. Crucially, the agency was legislated to operate with independence from direct ministerial direction.

The creation of VicHealth was a testament to bipartisan cooperation. Initiated by the Cain government, the reform garnered support from the then Liberal-led opposition. Key figures, including Labor Health Minister David White and opposition health spokesman Mark Birrell, collaborated to secure cross-party backing. This collective effort contributed significantly to a public consensus that championed campaigns like "Quit," which has helped halve smoking rates in Victoria since VicHealth's inception.

Strong Opposition and Expert Concerns

The government's plan has been met with considerable opposition. David White, former Labor health minister and a pivotal figure in establishing VicHealth, has urged the government to reverse its decision, branding the plan as "ill-advised." Mark Birrell, a former Kennett government minister and a former chair of VicHealth, also criticized the plan, stating there was "no rational basis" for withdrawing support from an entity he considered one of the state's achievements. Mr. Birrell advocated for reconsideration based on expert public health and scientific opinion.

"Five former chairs of VicHealth have written to Premier Allan, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, and Health Minister Thomas, urging them to reconsider the plan."

Preventive health experts and numerous organizations have voiced significant opposition, warning that absorbing VicHealth into the broader health bureaucracy could potentially erode its funding and programs. Organizations that have raised concerns include Cancer Council Victoria, the Quit helpline, former VicHealth chair and federal health minister Nicola Roxon, global health advocate Sir Gustav Nossal, the National Heart Foundation, the Australian Medical Association, the Victorian Drug and Alcohol Association, the Victorian Council of Social Service, and the European Public Health Association.

Current Initiatives and Ongoing Public Health Impact

VicHealth currently serves as a primary funding source for critical initiatives such as the Quit program and actively focuses on specific demographics, including First Peoples and long-term smokers in migrant communities. One of its recent prominent initiatives is the highly successful "This Girl Can" campaign, which encourages active lifestyles for women across the state.

Despite the significant achievement of halving smoking rates in Victoria since VicHealth's establishment, tobacco-related illnesses continue to cause an estimated 4,000 deaths annually in the state. These illnesses incur substantial costs to the health system, estimated at approximately $5 billion.