Tasmanians in poor health despite healthy economy

A damning report, released today, has labelled Tasmanians as “the unhealthiest, oldest, worst educated, most underemployed and most dependent on government benefits in Australia”.

THE relative poor health of Tasmanians is a “handbrake” on the state’s economy and a greater focus is needed on funding preventive measures, a new report has found.

The fifth iteration of the Tasmania Report, to be released today, said while efficiently treating the sick was important, so was keeping them out of the system in the first place.

The report, initiated by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said despite the state spending a similar amount on the sector per capita as other states, health outcomes were poor compared to the rest of the country.

TCCI chairwoman Susan Parr said as Tasmania experienced its best economic situation for 15 years, leaders must commit to strategic plans to improve outcomes in areas such as health and education.

She said mediocrity was not the future Tasmanians deserved.

“Tasmanians are the unhealthiest, oldest, worst educated, most underemployed and most dependent on government benefits in Australia,’’ she said.

“The flow-on effects mean increasing health costs, more people who feel alienated from society, and who in turn, have no stake in developing communities.”

The report found:

INCREASED spending in health — now almost a third of the state’s total budget and predicted to rise further — had not been matched by improvements in health outcomes.

TASMANIA’S economy was the fastest growing in the country, but was not translating to significant jobs growth.

THE SUCCESS of the economy and rising population had created housing affordability issues.

A FOCUS on ensuring student retention to Year 12 or equivalent studies was working, but better long-term partnerships between industry and training providers were needed to address skills shortages.

A REDUCTION in the number of councils was needed.

STATE population growth had been driven by international migration, but was below the national average and was tipped to decline. There was a need to attract younger, skilled people.

Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Kym Goodes said a strong economy was something to be proud of, but said it needed to be used to set the state up for the future.

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KEY POINTS

- People power: A need to attract younger and skilled people from interstate and overseas.

- Infrastructure: Strategic investment required in areas including transport, water, utilities, tourism assets, and ports.

- Strengths: The state should capitalise on its clean and green brand.

- Health: Tasmania’s relative poor health is a “handbrake” on the economy.

- Local government: The state cannot sustain 29 local government areas.

- Education and training: The Year 12 completion rate needs to continue to rise.

- Embrace visitors: International student numbers have significantly grown and they should be encouraged to stay.

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