The $4 Billion Opportunity We Can’t Ignore: Why Prevention Must Be Australia’s Top Health Priority 

Australia is facing a silent crisis. One that is costing more than $4 billion every year. 

A new report by the Centre for Policy Development reveals that close to 30,000 Australians are hospitalised each week for conditions that could have been prevented. These are not just healthcare costs. They are missed opportunities to support people before they fall through the cracks. 

At Healthy Cities Australia, we believe there is a better way. One that starts with prevention. 

Prevention is not a bonus. It is essential. 

The CPD report highlights something we already know to be true. Investing in prevention is not just good for health outcomes. It is good economics. With the right strategies in place, we could save billions every year. But more importantly, we could improve the quality of life for thousands of people. 

This is not about vague policy. It is about real people in real communities. A child learning to cook a healthy meal. A family walking together in a safe public space. A neighbour joining a community event and feeling a sense of connection. 

Prevention happens in these everyday moments. That is where health truly begins. 

We have the tools. Now we need commitment. 

Healthy Cities Australia runs programs that make a difference. From healthy eating and food literacy, to active transport and mental wellbeing. These programs are proven to work. What they need now is consistent funding and support. 

Less than two percent of Australia’s health budget goes to prevention. Yet we know it can reduce hospitalisations, tackle chronic disease, and ease pressure on the entire health system. 

It is time to bridge that gap. 

A healthier Australia starts in our neighbourhoods 

We do not need to wait for new ideas. The solutions are already here. Accessible fresh food. Safe, connected walking paths. Community spaces that build trust and belonging. Local partnerships that reach people where they live and work. 

These are not just health initiatives. They are nation-building opportunities. 

Healthy Cities Australia sees the impact of this work every day. We know what is possible when prevention becomes a priority. 

The cost of doing nothing is too high 

As the CPD report shows, the real risk is not what we spend. It is what we fail to invest in. The choice is simple. We can continue to react to illness. Or we can act early and invest in what truly works. 

Healthy Cities Australia is ready to scale this work. We are calling for bold leadership, long-term investment, and a renewed commitment to building a healthier future for all.