Supporters of VicHealth rallied on the steps of the Victorian Parliament this week to urge new Premier Ben Carroll to keep the agency independent. The crowd of around 200 braved cold and wet conditions in Melbourne to protest the plan to dissolve the organization into the Department of Health. They argue the move, framed as a budget‑saving measure, represents a massive loss for the community.
VicHealth is often called a global leader in health promotion by experts. Professor Rob Moodie, who led the agency from 1998 to 2007, listed its achievements, including tobacco control and early mental health interventions. He noted that the group has a unique convening power, listening to and supporting communities regardless of where they live or their background.
A global leader
Moodie argues its most important role is taking on “huge, unhealthy industries” such as tobacco, vaping, alcohol, and fast food. He said these corporations increasingly stalk the corridors of power, and communities need independent, trusted bodies to provide advice and lead advocacy against them.
Dr Nick Rose from Sustain: the Australian Food Network highlighted the specific threat of the fast‑food sector. He described it as a $30 billion behemoth marching across suburbs, with up to eight outlets for every single healthy food outlet. Rose said VicHealth’s funding is essential for tackling chronic disease. The government’s argument that Public Health Units can do the work is flawed, according to him, who pointed to a partnership called Food First in the West as evidence of the agency’s collaborative approach.
It is odd to cut the very thing that saves the budget money. The agency’s annual funding of $47 million represents just 0.04 percent of the state budget. Despite the small fraction, the return on investment is high, delivering $14 for every dollar spent on preventative health.
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The political fight
While the government frames the dissolution as a necessary economic adjustment, the political calculus suggests a deeper conflict. If officials are truly concerned about their performance rating, dissolving a body explicitly designed to challenge corporate lobbying might simply remove the friction that prevents the state from aligning with the interests of the $30 billion food industry.
The Opposition and Upper House crossbench have strongly opposed the decision. Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier noted the budget is in a difficult state, but the agency needs to stay. She said the only reason the debate is happening is because of the state’s dire financial situation.
Retiring MP Dr Tim Read, diagnosed with cancer, spoke about his mission to save the agency. He said politicians need to hear from constituents directly. The former GP utilized his final days in Parliament to make protecting VicHealth his priority.
Juanita Pope, CEO of the Victorian Council of Social Service, pledged sector support. She hoped the new Premier knows that the smartest thing for a health system is to stop people needing it in the first place. The government has delayed the legislation for now, with funding continuing for another year as the state prepares for an election on November 28.
Public health outcomes improve when agencies like VicHealth remain autonomous, according to research.