At today's announcement, Dr Di Natale launched the Greens Victorian Health policy, the next in the series of policy announcements in the lead up to the November 25 state election.

"Health is an extremely important issue, not only for the residents of Melbourne, but for all Victorians,"said Dr Richard Di Natale. We've got to approach spending on health care as an investment rather than a cost."

"The most practical way to reduce the burden on our public hospital system - and cut waiting lists - is through a better resourced community health care sector, increased home based services for people with chronic conditions and a much greater focus on health promotion," said Dr Di Natale.

"That's why the Greens in state parliament after November 25 will work to increase in the number of community health centres with GPs, nurse practitioners and other health professional staff," said Dr Di Natale. "We also propose increased state funding for VicHealth programs, as well as
for public dental services and community-based mental health services."

Major initiatives in the Greens Victorian Health Policy* include:

- $100 million dollars over four years to build new community health centres in areas of need,

- $100 million growth funding over four years to increase state funded Home and Community Care Services (HACC) such as Personal Care, Nursing, Allied Health, Delivered Meals, Property Maintenance, and Assessment and Care Management,

- A $10 million dollar package over three years to provide support and incentives to encourage the co-location of GPs in community health centres,

- An additional $10 million over three years for VicHealth to develop initiatives that promote participation in physical and social activities, particularly among low income earners,

more ...

- A $10 million health promotion package to increase physical activity and good nutrition in schools children including school-based physical activity programs, healthy canteens, and "walking school buses",

- $5 million increase in dental health funding to reduce public waiting times for non-urgent dentures and general/restorative care,

- Immediately implement a ban on smoking in defined public spaces (as per the Queensland model),

- No privatisation of public hospitals by stealth through PPP funding.

Background on Dr Richard Di Natale, candidate for Melbourne District

Dr Richard Di Natale is a general practitioner and international public health specialist. He has worked in community health centres around Melbourne, with indigenous peoples in remote areas of Australia and he now travels regularly to India to work on a HIV prevention project.

Richard is a North Melbourne resident and well-known political campaigner in the Melbourne area, most notably almost winning the lower house seat of Melbourne against Bronwyn Pike at the 2002 state election and coming second to Jon So in the 2004 Mayoral campaign.

Richard played senior VFA football for 5 seasons and is an avid Richmond supporter but now relies on riding his bicycle and walking his dog to keep him fit.

For more information and comment please contact:
Dr Richard Di Natale on (mob) 0425 771 246
Or
Dave Lane on (mob) 0419 156 213

Background:
* The Victorian Greens Health policy is attached.