A recent study highlights that residents in Victoria receive the fourth-highest amount of public health funding per capita in Australia. Conducted by the University of Technology Sydney Online, this research analyzed national health expenditure data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for the period between 2019 and 2024.
The findings reveal that Victoria’s average health spending stands at $11,749 per person, significantly lower than the national average of $49,884 during the same period. Over five years, the state had an average population of approximately 5,618,800 and an average annual health expenditure of $66.02 billion.
Health Spending Breakdown
Victoria’s health funding peaked in the fiscal year 2021–2022, when the state allocated $70.18 billion to health services. In contrast, the lowest spending occurred in 2019–2020, with total expenditures of $58.83 billion. This fluctuation highlights the state’s response to varying health demands over the years.
A spokesperson from the University of Technology Sydney Online remarked on the implications of this spending level, stating, “Victoria’s spending level reflects a large population served by a complex metropolitan hospital network. Demand remains high, especially for mental health services, elective surgery recovery, and ongoing chronic illness support following the pandemic period. Strategic workforce planning is key to easing pressure on hospital wait times.”
Comparative Analysis of Health Spending
The study ranked other Australian states based on total health spending per capita from 2019 to 2024. Notably, New South Wales topped the list with an impressive $295,200 per capita, followed by Western Australia at $48,300 and Queensland at $28,571. Victoria’s position at fourth demonstrates its significant, albeit lower, investment in public health compared to these states.
Top Australian States with the Highest Total Health Spending per Capita (2019–2024 Average)
1. New South Wales: $295,200
2. Western Australia: $48,300
3. Queensland: $28,571
4. Victoria: $11,749
5. Australian Capital Territory: $11,128
6. South Australia: $2,137
7. Northern Territory: $1,104
8. Tasmania: $884
This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the disparities in health funding across Australian states, emphasizing the need for continued investment in health services to meet the rising demand, particularly in urban areas like Victoria.
For further details, the complete study and additional data are available through the University of Technology Sydney Online and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
