EmailDiversity in Health
The diversity of Victoria’s population is one of our State’s greatest assets. The Department is committed to supporting diversity and reducing health inequality through accessible and appropriate health service delivery. It is important that health care services meet the needs of everyone in our community so that all Victorians are able to attain optimal health and wellbeing.
Some groups in Victoria experience poorer health due to a range of biological, behavioural and social factors, such as culture, language, migration experience, Aboriginality, sex and gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and disability. All these factors can influence our health and wellbeing and experiences of healthcare.
Socioeconomic circumstances and geographic location can also have a significant impact on the health of individuals, families and communities, as can discrimination, such as sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia and transphobia. A lack of access to appropriate services can also be detrimental to a person’s health and wellbeing.
Specific responses have been developed by the department to make services more appropriate and to improve access, including:
- Aboriginal health
- Cultural and linguistic diversity
- Refugee and asylum seeker health
- Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) health
- Women's health
- Men's health
- Older people
Diversity News
Diversity News is a monthly newsletter published by the Policy Coordination and Projects Branch. It provides a regular summary of diversity activity in Victoria, including a snapshot of new policies and programs, research, resources, professional development opportunities and upcoming events.
- Join our mailing list to receive Diversity News.
Related information
Department of Health (DH) responsibilities comprise health, aged care, mental health and drug services; the Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for housing and community services, including supporting people with a disability and young people.
Find out how DHS responds to diversity
Further information
Email diversity@health.vic.gov.au for more information on how the Department of Health supports accessible and appropriate health services for all Victorians.
