The George Institute’s response to the 2019 NSW election
Statement from Professor Vlado Perkovic, Executive Director, The George Institute, Australia:
“The George Institute congratulates NSW Premier The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP on winning the 2019 NSW election and for being the first female to be elected as NSW Premier. We also congratulate the Hon. Brad Hazzard MP on retaining his seat.
We also look forward to continue working with the Government of NSW to improve the health of people across the State and beyond.
1 in 2 Australians have a chronic disease such as diabetes, stroke, and heart and kidney diseases. These place a huge strain on lives, the health system and the economy.
NSW has already rightly recognised that these conditions require new approaches to prevention and treatment across the health system, strategically prioritising integrated care, prevention, and research and innovation capacity.
One in two NSW adults, and more than one in five children, are above a healthy weight, putting current and future generations at increased risk of developing chronic diseases.
Current efforts to tackle obesity, such as via the Premier’s Priority on childhood obesity with the healthy canteens initiative, and healthy hospital food environments, are examples of NSW leadership, but require continued commitment and investment to have a lasting impact.
More than ever before, a coordinated, whole-of-government and cross-sector approach to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations and deaths is required.
NSW can spearhead transformative change through national health reforms and the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), such as the National Obesity Strategy, National Women’s Health Strategy, Health Star Rating 5 year review process, and added-sugar labelling.
Chronic diseases account for around 80 per cent of the mortality gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. Working through COAG and with communities to implement culturally safe and responsive health system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is also of utmost priority for this Government.”
