Investing upstream: how Tasmania can turn $700 million into better health for all

Chief Executive Officer, Vanessa Cahoon, shares insights on the benefits of preventative health investments.

Tasmania stands at a pivotal moment in the health landscape.

The recent announcement that our state will receive around $700 million in additional Australian Government health funding over the next five years is a welcome boost and a rare opportunity to transform not just hospitals, but the health of Tasmanians across the community.

Tasmanian health charity, Clifford Craig Foundation, focuses its community funding investments across North and North West Tasmania. Chief Executive Officer, Vanessa Cahoon, says to realise the full potential of this Australian Government investment, the Tasmanian Government must think beyond brick-and-mortar hospitals and emergency rooms.

“Tasmania must direct a portion of these funds upstream into preventative health programs that reduce avoidable illness, ease pressure on hospitals, and create healthier, more productive communities,” she said.

The challenges we face in Tasmania are well documented:

• Our population is one of the oldest in the country, with high rates of chronic disease including diabetes, heart disease and chronic respiratory conditions.

• According to the Primary Health Tasmania Needs Assessment, over half of Tasmania’s avoidable hospital admissions are related to chronic conditions; preventable conditions or better managed outside hospital walls.

• Despite good intentions, many Tasmanians delay care due to cost or access issues, leading to later emergency presentations and higher treatment costs.

• Emergency departments in Tasmania currently have among the lowest on-time treatment rates in Australia, and ambulance services are stretched beyond capacity.

“These aren’t abstract statistics. They represent families, workers, neighbours and friends whose suffering and health costs are being felt across our communities. The additional $700 million provides certainty and scale, but its lasting impact will be measured by how we invest those dollars,” Ms Cahoon added.

Here are concrete, Tasmania-specific investments that can deliver measurable health benefits and ease demand on Tasmania’s hospital system:

1. Chronic Disease Early Detection & Management Hubs

By establishing community screening clinics for diabetes, cardiovascular risk and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with General Practitioners and allied health support, Tasmania can identify at-risk individuals earlier, reducing emergency presentations and lowering avoidable admissions.

2. Regional Cancer Screening Acceleration

Mobile screening units and local education campaigns in regional and rural areas can increase early detection of cancers — reducing late-stage presentations and long, complex inpatient stays.

3. Falls Prevention & Healthy Ageing Programs

With our ageing population, falls are a leading cause of hospitalisation. Strength and balance classes, home hazard assessments and medication reviews all reduce fracture admissions and the associated pressure on surgical and rehabilitation services.

4. Women’s Health

Women’s health investment must also extend beyond maternity services. Tasmania has an opportunity to strengthen support for women across the life course, including improved access to endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, earlier diagnosis pathways, support for menopause care, and more affordable medications.

Targeted funding to expand specialised clinics, streamline referral pathways and subsidise treatment options would mean women can be diagnosed and treated earlier, reducing avoidable hospital presentations while also supporting higher workforce participation rates.

5. Men’s Health Early Intervention Strategy

Men in Tasmania have lower rates of preventive screening and higher exposure to health risks. Tailored community initiatives and workplace health programs can support earlier diagnosis and treatment.

6. Preventive Mental Health & Youth Intervention

Early intervention for mental health concerns( especially for youth and regional communities) reduces crisis presentations to emergency departments and supports long-term wellbeing.

An investment with returns for all Tasmanians

Prevention doesn’t just improve health, it reduces demand on hospitals and emergency services, allowing clinicians to focus on acute care where it matters most.

“This is not about diverting funds from hospitals; it is about protecting our hospitals by reducing preventable demand on them. Investment in preventive health has been shown time and again to deliver strong returns, fewer avoidable admissions, shorter wait times, lower long-term system costs, and better quality of life for citizens,” Ms Cahoon stated.

Tasmania has the data, the will, and now the funding to lead Australia in this space. Will the Tasmanian Government invest upstream today so future generations of Tasmanians can live healthier, more fulfilling lives?