Western Australians to have say on a healthier future for WA

• Community feedback invited to help inform Western Australia's first Preventative Health Strategy
• Cook Labor Government is encouraging all Western Australians to participate in the consultation, which runs for a limited time
• Strategy to focus on keeping people well and preventing illness before it occurs
• Cook Labor Government supporting the wellbeing of all Western Australians

The Cook Labor Government is calling for community members to have their say in the development of the WA Preventative Health Strategy to help shape the future of health and wellbeing in Western Australia.

The State Labor Government has today launched an online consultation survey for three weeks, open until July 24, to canvass the Western Australian communities' views on the priorities that will make a difference and drive better health outcomes.

Preventative health aims to promote health, prevent disease, injury and early death, and support health and wellbeing across all stages of life.

The WA Preventative Health Strategy represents an opportunity to take a long-term view of the health and wellbeing of the State. It is about shifting the focus from treating illness after it occurs to preventing poor health before it starts.

The community consultation follows a series of targeted roundtable discussions with senior leaders and health experts from across government, non-government, community and research institutes hosted by the Preventative Health Minister earlier this year.

The survey is being conducted by the Department of Health, on behalf of the Preventative Health Minister, in collaboration with the Mental Health Commission and Healthway.

Alongside public consultation, the State Government today also announced the establishment of the Preventative Health Strategy Technical Advisory Group.

The Technical Advisory Group brings together leading experts from across public health, clinical care, Aboriginal health services, research, health promotion and community sectors.

Their expertise will help ensure the strategy is grounded in the best-available evidence, while remaining practical, achievable and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for Western Australians.

The strategy will be a key resource to guide government and non-government preventative health services to deliver a healthier future for WA.

To access the survey visit: https://consultation.health.wa.gov.au/pahd-office-of-the-chief-health-officer/preventative-health-strategy-consumer-consultation

Community members who need assistance to access the survey can email: PreventativeHealthStrategy@health.wa.gov.au.

Comments attributed to Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:

"Prevention is the most powerful tool we have to improve health outcomes, and it is important that we harness the collective views of Western Australians.

"The Cook Labor Government is encouraging the WA community to complete the survey to help inform the State's first comprehensive Preventative Health Strategy.

"This is an opportunity for all Western Australians to have their say on what supports better health and wellbeing."

Comments attributed to Health Minister Meredith Hammat:

"We want to hear from people across the State, including those in regional, remote and priority communities, on what matters most for their health and how they can live healthier lives.

"Preventing people getting sick in the first place improves quality of life and reduces pressure on our health system.

"Listening to the voices of our communities is key which is why this strategy is being shaped with input from the WA community."