Tuesday, 9 December 2025

 Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (13:27): Last week’s announcement by the Allan Labor government that they plan to dissolve VicHealth and absorb its functions into the Department of Health came as a shock to many who work in public health and health promotion. This also came as a shock to the broader community, and a petition run by Friends of VicHealth has already garnered over 2000 signatures and is quickly growing. VicHealth has been a world leader in public health promotion for almost 40 years. Their work on tobacco harm reduction is historic and included the extraordinary step of buying out tobacco company sponsorship of sports and the arts in 1988. It has support from across the political spectrum, and it has protected ongoing funding. But the Allan Labor government’s decision spells the death of its independence and undermines a key strength of this vital public health institution. VicHealth has always been willing to take on the big corporate interests that harm Victorians’ health, like the junk food industry, big tobacco and alcohol and gambling, something this government have repeatedly demonstrated that they are too afraid of doing. The Allan Labor government is putting short-term interests ahead of health promotion and prevention, which, ironically, will just end up costing our health system even more. I am urging the government to reverse its decision on VicHealth and ensure this vital public health institution remains independent.