cohealth commends State Government for holding steady on health funding for community

cohealth, one of Victoria’s largest community health services, has commended the Victorian Government for maintaining its commitment to health service funding in delivering this year’s ‘difficult’ budget.   

“We recognise the difficult decisions that have been made in the face of soaring debt, and we’re relieved that the Victorian Government has chosen to protect our healthcare system from budget repair measures,” said Nicole Bartholomeusz, Chief Executive, cohealth. 

“A good healthcare system is the bedrock of a community in which all members can flourish and participate, and this budget recognises that.” It’s particularly pleasing to see the continued investment in services that support vulnerable people in our community. 

cohealth said that it was pleased that community health funding would be maintained at current levels but hopes that future budgets will provide a funding increase for community health to improve health outcomes for vulnerable people.   

Health spending in the 2023-24 budget primarily focussed on the Victorian Government’s election commitments, including investment in hospital infrastructure. 

“We still have much work to do to reorient our health system towards keeping people well while they are in the community, rather than waiting for them to become sick before stepping in.” 

 “As the Government has long posited, hospitals should be the place for very unwell people, but most of our healthcare delivery happens in the community, close to where people live and work, and should focus on keeping people out of hospital.” 

 Ms Bartholomeusz says she was pleased to see ongoing funding for the roll-out of mental health and wellbeing local services, alcohol and drug outreach services and gave special mention to the extension of the Homelessness to a Home program funding. 

 “For people who have experienced years of chronic homelessness, Homelessness to a Home has provided a stable home and the wraparound support they need to make a fresh start, and we applaud the Government for extending funding to this vital program,” said Ms Bartholomeusz.  

cohealth also welcomed the State Government’s extension of funding for Homeless Outreach Mental Health Service program (HOMHS) for another four years, a program which provides individualised wrap-around support for people experiencing homelessness who have a severe and long-term mental illness.     

More on cohealth:   

cohealth is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit community health organisation that strives to improve health and wellbeing for all.  cohealth provides universal access to services as well as targeted programs and assertive models to address the health disparities experienced by disadvantaged groups. cohealth offers a broad range of high quality, integrated health and support services, including medical, oral, pharmacy, mental health and drug and alcohol services.   

more information:  Lanie Harris 0418 552 377  lanie.harris@cohealth.org.au