It is a privilege to join the Department of Health at this important point in our journey, to deliver on our Strategic Plan 2023–27. Together, we are building a healthier future – one where every Victorian can live well, with access to safe, high-quality care when and where they need it.
Since this plan was first launched, Victoria's health system has continued to evolve in remarkable ways. System-wide reforms are taking shape that will have a lasting impact on the way we deliver care across the state. These advances are possible because of the dedication, expertise, and relentless focus of our people, our partners, and the broader health sector. Over the past year, we've achieved key milestones that are reshaping our system. The Health Services Plan has seen the establishment of the Local Health Service Networks which will pave the way for more integrated, coordinated care that better meets community needs.
We're strengthening services at every stage of life – from maternal and child health programs that give children the best start in life, through to respectful, high-quality aged care that supports older Victorians to live with dignity. Our ambulance services continue to evolve, and to give priority to improving response and transfer times. We also continue to support community-based pathways so that people can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Together these improvements across community, aged care and emergency care are helping Victorians to access the right care at the right place when they need it. It has been particularly pleasing to see that our Planned Surgery Reform is also making a real difference, achieving the best ever results in providing timely access to care for thousands of people across the state.
We've seen further progress in mental health and wellbeing reform, with a stronger focus on community-based care. This includes the opening of our new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals.
In parallel, we're advancing alcohol and other drug reform, with continued investment in harm reduction initiatives and the establishment of Victoria's first fixed-site pill testing service to help prevent AOD-related harm across the community. These efforts recognise the strong links between mental health and substance use and the importance of integrated, person-centred care.
Improving health equity remains at the heart of our plan. Supporting better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians is a clear and continuing priority. We are committed to genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations – we want to embed self-determination and build a culturally safe system that is led by and for Aboriginal communities.
We are also embracing innovation to meet people's needs in new ways. Virtual Care is expanding access across Victoria – reducing pressure on emergency departments and helping people receive care in the comfort of their own home. Digital health and new models of care are giving our system greater agility, while our growing investment in prevention and early intervention is supporting people to live healthier lives and avoid unnecessary hospitalisation.
Underpinning everything we do is the health workforce. The success of this plan, and our health system, depends on the people who make it work every day. We are focused on growing and retaining a skilled workforce across every part of our state and ensuring they feel valued, supported and equipped to deliver the best care.
Thank you to our colleagues across the department, the health sector, and our partner organisations. Together, we are working to create a system that gives every Victorian the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and to realise our shared vision of being the healthiest people in the world.
Jenny Atta PSM
Secretary
Department of Health
Reviewed 29 August 2025