Cancer Council WA welcomes the appointment of the Hon Sabine Winton MLA as Australia's first dedicated Minister for Preventative Health in the newly announced Cook Government Cabinet.
The introduction of a dedicated Minister for Preventative Health is a significant step toward improving the health and wellbeing of all West Australians.
Prevention is key to reducing the burden of chronic disease, including cancer, and keeping people out of hospitals.
If WA is to become the healthiest state in the country, we need to prioritise initiatives that reduce overexposure to UV, promote and support healthy eating, increase opportunities for physical activity, continue to push down smoking and vaping rates, drive participation in vaccination and screening programs, and introduce measures to minimise alcohol-related harm.
We look forward to working with the new Minister to ensure WA continues to lead the way in preventive health and to deliver policies and programs that support all West Australians to live healthier lives.
We also look forward to collaborating with the newly appointed Hon Meredith Hammat MLA and Hon John Carey MLA in their respective roles overseeing the Health; Mental Health and Health Infrastructure portfolios.
Ashley Reid, Cancer Council WA CEO
