Victoria’s nine Local Public Health Units know their local communities best

What is a local public health unit?

Local Public Health Units identify the health needs specific to their region and community, which can then be addressed at the local level.

They play a critical role in providing locally-driven, coordinated efforts to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of their communities.

For example, they investigate and manage communicable disease outbreaks (such as measles) through rapid responses such as tracing, testing and quarantine measures.

The units also have population health/health promotion responsibilities focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles to help reduce chronic illnesses such as heart disease and preventable forms of cancer. 

Why is investment in Local Public Health Units critical?

Compared to other Australian states, Victoria’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was hindered because of longstanding underinvestment and highly centralised processes. Local Public Health Units are organisations with tailored knowledge and connections, making them ideally placed to address the needs of local communities, including local populations at greater risk of preventable illnesses. In public health emergencies such as infectious disease outbreaks and environmental disasters, these units enable timely and community-specific public health interventions.

Policy context

The Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2023–27 recognises that Local Public Health Units improve Victoria’s capacity for a strong and responsive public health system, especially when delivered in partnership with local communities and service, delivering greater coordination and collective action across the plan’s priorities.