September 2018
Victoria has world-leading competitive advantages in the health industry, which encompasses health and medical research, biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, digital health, healthcare delivery, global health and health services.
Victoria’s healthcare sector contributes to more than $30 billion to the Victorian economy and is the state’s largest and fastest growing source of employment.
Growing Victoria’s health industry will foster the development of a technologically advanced, innovation-driven and sustainable health system.
A whole of government economic development strategy for the health industry is needed, which aligns policy areas across health, innovation, start-ups, STEM education and training, health and medical research, clinical trials, industry, advanced manufacturing and health services.
Accelerating the growth of Victoria’s health industry will generate a range of economic and health benefits including increased export revenue, employment growth, more efficient health services and better patient outcomes.
The outcome for Victoria is a health industry that can drive economic growth and bring healthcare solutions to patients faster, creating a state of health and prosperity for Victorians.
A strong health industry provides the foundation to develop deeper strategic partnerships between health, research, business and government, creating closer alignment between industry development and future healthcare needs.
The health industry peak bodies listed below call on all parties contesting the 2018 state election to adopt positions that recognise and develop the health industry as an economic priority for Victoria.
Download the joint statement (PDF, 2 MB)