3.1 Public Health
Local government acknowledges that protecting the health and wellbeing of its communities is a shared responsibility of all tiers of government and recognises the significant contributions that councils make in this area. Councils should contribute equitably to providing preventative and on-going health services, notwithstanding the significant responsibilities of federal and state government.
Local government recognises federal and state governments have a responsibility to provide quality health care and that council’s role is limited to local or regional preventative public health activities. Councils should continue to liaise with federal and state governments to maximise the benefits of community preventative health activities offered.
Councils recognise the important statutory role that they play in delivering public health services. Under provisions of the Public Health Act 2011, councils shall require that they are adequately consulted on changes to the legislative framework and that federal and state governments provide adequate resources to councils to deliver local public health services.
Local government recognises the requirement for federal and state governments to improve local preventative services such as immunisation and education programs through the review of current arrangements. Councils, through the LGA, will continue to lobby federal and state governments for reviews of these services and for adequate resources.
Local government recognises the importance of providing palliative care, its role as a service provider and the difficulties of maintaining quality of care under current governance and funding arrangements. Councils, through the LGA, will continue to lobby federal and state governments for a review of arrangements and greater levels of funding.