Victorian government separates health and human services department

A Victorian government agency at the centre of the state’s fight against coronavirus will undergo major changes.

The Victorian government agency at the centre of the state’s fight against coronavirus will be split into two departments.

From February 1 next year the Department of Health and Human Services will be divided in an attempt to “focus on our health system and on the social recovery of our state”.

Mental health, aged care and ambulance services will fall under the reformed Department of Health.

A new Department of Families, Fairness and Housing will include child protection, disability, housing, and Family Safety Victoria.

The government’s revamped health department is set to help the state’s COVID-19 recovery. Picture: Sarah Matray/NCA NewsWire

There would be no change to the total number of people employed, Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“These are whole units so there is no splitting of any particular division in any existing department, and we will do everything we can to keep the cost of these changes to a minimum,” he said.

“This new structure will mean a greater focus on our recovery while we remain vigilant in our fight against coronavirus.

“The government’s significant reform agenda in housing, child protection and family violence mean this is the right time to provide a dedicated focus to that work.”

Recently appointed secretary Professor Euan Wallace will continue to lead the DHHS through the transition period and will helm the reformed Department of Health next year.

DHHS deputy secretary for case, contact tracing and outbreak management Sandy Pitcher will lead the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing from December 14.