Gender must be front and centre in health system planning and workforce development. As the report highlights, women are disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions, with more than half of Victorian women living with at least one chronic illness. Women, trans and gender diverse people also face well-documented barriers to timely, safe, and affordable healthcare.
We’re pleased to see the VHA identify workforce development as a key priority, including expanding the scope of existing roles – particularly in rural and regional areas. WHV strongly supports capacity building through nurse practitioner models, such as midwife-led abortion care, which are essential for increasing access to care and delivering gender-responsive services.
As VHA CEO Leigh Clarke said:
“Healthcare organisations know their communities best – there is an opportunity for the sector to lead the way in delivering innovative healthcare that addresses the long-term challenges. Working with the Victorian and Federal Governments, the sector can deliver better health outcomes and build capacity to meet healthcare needs of Victoria’s growing and diverse population.”
We agree – and we know that to deliver equitable, community-led care, we must invest in a health workforce that is not only well-trained and resourced, but also equipped to understand and respond to the social determinants of health.
With growing demand, persistent inequities, and new challenges ahead, WHV stands ready to work with governments, the VHA and the broader sector to build a system that truly delivers for all Victorians – especially those most often left behind.
Read Victorian Health Association’s 2025 State of the Health Sector Report here.