Letter to the Age editor, by former VicHealth Chair Prof John Catford
11 December 2025
VicHealth’s work is regarded internationally as unique in global health (Pleas to spare VicHealth from axe in cost-cutting 8/12). It is not just a health promotion funding body but rather an innovator, thought leader and evidence creator in a highly challenged and constrained area of the health budget. It works beyond the traditional territory of the Health Department with community groups, sports and arts organisations, councils, commerce, industry and the media.
It has authenticity, trust, skills, networks and a ‘can-do-now’ approach that is hard to find in government. Importantly it can take a medium to long term view of the drivers of the health and wellbeing and is not limited to the short termism of electoral cycles and the populisms of the day. This is why it was set up as an independent statutory body by the Victorian parliament with tri-partisan support, and still continues to demonstrate its relevance. If, as the government says, investment in health promotion and disease prevention is not to be cut there will be pitiful savings to harvest.
However, what will be cut are coalitions and support across diverse sectors and the community, challenging vested interests from whatever source, and championing new ways of promoting better health for all Victorians.
Professor John Catford, Beaumaris
Former Chair of VicHealth, Victorian Chief Health Officer, and Dean of Health and Medicine Deakin University