Tasmanian Health Minister, Michelle O’Byrne, has announced the development of a  Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which she describes as an "ambitious and long-term approach" aimed at improving the state's economy, the workforce and the Tasmanian community.

 

“We are facing budget pressures right now but at the rate health costs are increasing, we will struggle to pay for health care even when times are good,” she said.

 

“A focus on preventative health now is what makes a first class, comprehensive Tasmanian health care system possible in the future. "

 

Ms O’Byrne said Government had a role to play by promoting healthy lifestyles across many areas of Tasmanian society.

 

“The Health and Wellbeing Strategy will be a coordinated and integrated approach bringing together key organisations and government agencies that are well placed to support Tasmanians to have healthy lives,” she said.

 

“We want to continue to drive down the rates of smoking and to help people make the right choices with what they eat and how they exercise.

 

Ms O’Byrne said the State Government currently commits more than $15 million to prevention and health protection programs run through Population Health.

 

“The Strategy will set out key directions for the future, including the need to establish an evidence base for decision making, to work with communities in developing place-based strategies and to bring together key partners to invest in ill-health prevention.

 

“We will establish a Health and Wellbeing Expert Reference Group to provide leadership for health and wellbeing in Tasmania.

 

“The Group will help us move forward on the policy directions we have set out and will ensure that the Minister, and Cabinet, is advised on criteria and priorities for future investment that will promote health and wellbeing outcomes.”

 

Ms O’Byrne said existing resources would be utilised in 2011-12 to develop and implement the strategy.