Leading Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes is calling for political vision this state election, outlining two priorities that will pave the way for a healthier and more resilient Tasmania and help break the cycle of reactive care in the state.
St Lukes is asking candidates to commit to the immediate rollout of a whole-of-government approach to a preventative health strategy within the first term of government.
As a first proof point, St Lukes is seeking support for a grants program that would enable a ready-to-go health literacy program to be scaled up to Tasmanian schools, providing the next generation with the tools they need to make better informed decisions around their health.
CEO Paul Lupo said chronic illness and mental health challenges were overwhelming the state’s health system, yet 80 per cent of these conditions were lifestyle-related and entirely preventable.
"Preventative health isn’t a nice-to-have – it is a must-have investment in our community’s health, and our government must shift its focus from continuously funding a system that predominantly manages sickness, to proactively investing in one that builds greater sustainable health and wellness.
“This will in turn enable the acute health system to deal with those issues which are outside of our control in a timelier fashion.
“It is not about spending more, it’s about spending smarter.”
Mr Lupo said the preventative health strategy must prioritise long-term commitment to the front end of health care, spanning education, planning, social services, housing, and community.
"There is a growing appetite in the community for more investment in initiatives that empower individuals to make better decisions about things that could negatively impact their health – St Lukes’ wellness hubs are proof of this,” he said.
“We have partnered with more than 200 organisations to deliver a range of health and wellbeing initiatives, with more than 22,000 Tasmanians engaging in services since opening in Hobart and Launceston in August 2023 and July 2024 respectively.
“These organisations stand ready and willing to support the government with the implementation of a holistic, preventative health strategy.”
St Lukes is also calling for the introduction of a grant scheme to provide Tasmanian primary schools with immediate and direct access to an internationally acclaimed, evidence-based health literacy program, developed right here in the state.
“HealthLit4Kids works at a local level with children, their teachers, families, and their broader school communities to develop innovative approaches to learning and health,” Mr Lupo said.
“More than three in five Tasmanians have inadequate health literacy, and close to half of all Tasmanian adults have difficulty accessing the healthcare providers they need.
“The program has featured in more than 16 academic papers and three World Health Organisation reports as an exemplar for addressing chronic diseases.
“There are already successful case studies for the program, including Bowen Road Primary School, and there is high demand from more than 30 schools across the state, eager to introduce the program to their school communities.”
Mr Lupo said the state election provided an opportunity for the major parties to do health differently, and for new candidates to bring a fresh approach.
“We truly believe Tasmania can lead the nation in health innovation, if only we are willing,” he said.
“This is not a cost, it’s an investment in our own futures and those of our future generations.”
ENDS
For further information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations – 0429 683 779.