Public health has been strong in WA for over 40 years. In recent years, there have been various shifts in terminology, from Public Health to Population Health to Health Protection. A new Public Health Division was established in early 2008.
The aims of the Division are to:
- Promote health in the community
- Prevent disease before it occurs
- Manage risk, whether natural or man-made
The Public Health Division is responsible for development, coordination and delivery of a wide range of statewide public health policy and programs.
The Division is divided into a number of core areas and Directorates:
The Public Health Division has approximately 240 staff. Its Executive Director reports directly to the Director-General of Health, and is a member of the State Health Executive Forum of the Department.
Public Health Division organisation chart (PDF 223KB)
We have a particular focus on healthy public policy (including legislation), community awareness and professional education.
We work with a diverse group of stakeholders including:
- Area Health Services
- WA Country Health Service
- Child and Adolescent Health Services
- Office of Aboriginal Health
- Local, state and federal government
- Nongovernment organisations (NGOs)
- Consumer, advocacy and media groups
- Healthway
- General practice and primary care organisations
- Universities, research and professional groups
Public Health Division academic publications 2010 (PDF 203KB)
We encourage our staff to collaborate with universities, conduct research that is relevant to policy and practice, and to publish new information in the academic literature. This demonstrates our commitment to innovative, high-quality work that is accessible to other professionals and the public. A list of academic publications for the 2010 calendar year can be found above. Public Health Division staff are named in bold type.
