In August 2009 the former Department of Human Services was split to create two new departments: the Department of Health, and a new Department of Human Services. In coming months each Department will develop action plans to take them forward.

The Departments of Health and Human Services work together to enhance and protect the health and wellbeing of all Victorians, emphasising vulnerable groups and those most in need. They are key providers, funders and regulators of health, mental health, aged care, community and housing services. Together they provide services to more than a quarter of all Victorians each year.

Under the new arrangements the Department of Human Services oversees services for children, youth and families, housing, disability, concessions and bushfire recovery. The Department of Health oversees health services, mental health and drugs and aged care and preventative health.

The Department of Health supports the Ministers for Health, Mental Health and Senior Victorians, and the Department of Human Services supports the Ministers for Community Services and Housing (see Figure 1).

The principal responsibilities of the departments include funding, delivering, regulating and integrating:

• high quality and efficient health care services, including mental health services, through the public hospital system, community health services and ambulance services
• residential and rehabilitation care for older people, along with support and assistance to enable them to remain living independently in their own homes
• a range of accommodation and support services aimed at enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities
• accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness
• secure, affordable and appropriate housing and support to low income Victorians
• Victoria's statutory responsibilities to vulnerable children and young people in relation to child protection and youth justice
• health promotion and protection through emergency management, public health and related preventive services, education and regulation
• a range of alcohol and drug prevention and treatment services
• concessions to low income groups to improve the affordability of essential services.

Acting together, the departments strive to help Victorians of all ages keep their lives on track, their families together, a roof over their heads and their health and wellbeing protected.

The Departments of Health and Human Services operate within the parameters of whole of government strategy and policy direction, including the Action for Victoria's Future framework, Growing Victoria Together, and A Fairer Victoria. Departmental strategies also reflect the changing landscape of Commonwealth-State relations in the context of the reform program being undertaken through the Council of Australian Governments.

Strategy for Human Services and Health is underpinned by existing planning documents including departmental plans and major sector strategies such as the Victorian Disability State Plan, the Metropolitan Health Strategy, Rural Directions for a Better State of Health, Care in Your Community, Partnerships for Better Housing Assistance, Because Mental Health Matters and reforms associated with the introduction of new Children, Youth and Families legislation.

In light of their recent establishment as separate departments, both organisations have started processes to identify and respond to the longer term challenges facing Victoria's health and human services. This has included drawing attention to the issues of the ageing population and workforce and increasing entrenched disadvantage in parts of our community.

As the departments further develop approaches to take the new organisations forward, more information will be available on departmental websites:

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au
http://www.health.vic.gov.au