Human Services

Public Health

Public Health Overview

Local government plays a significant role in delivering a wide range of public health services. This includes delivering statutory services required by Victorian Government legislation, such as the Health Act (1958) and the Food Act (1984). Local government is also at the forefront of public health planning in local communities.

Initiatives

Municipal Public Health Planning

The MAV supports councils to develop a holistic approach to planning for public health and community wellbeing to fulfil obligations under the Health Act (1958).

 Find out more about Municipal Public Health Planning>

 

Health Act Review

The Health Act (1958) requires councils to fulfil particular statutory functions, such as employing an Environmental Health Officer, preparing and implementing a Municipal Public Health Plan, protecting public health in the municipality and registering prescribed businesses.  The Act is currently being reviewed by the Victorian Government, and local government is presenting its views about proposed changes in the consultative processes that have been available.

 Find out more about Health Act Review>

 

Food Safety

Local government has important responsibilities in ensuring food safety.  Councils are the main enforcer of food safety regulations for all food businesses and organisations selling food to the public not covered by PrimeSafe (which regulates food businesses selling raw meat and seafood) and Dairy Food Safety Victoria (which regulates businesses operating in the dairy industry).

 Find out more about Food Safety>

 

Tobacco

The Victorian Government provides funding to local government through the MAV to conduct education and enforcement activities to support the implementation of the Victorian tobacco legislation.

 Find out more about Tobacco>

 

Environmental Health Workforce

Environmental Health Officers (EHO) employed by councils fulfil duties outlined in Victorian health and food legislation.
 Find out more about Environmental Health Workforce> 

 

Immunisation

The MAV continues to take an active interest in the adequate funding of immunisation service delivery by local government.

 Find out more about Immunisation>