Residents of Victoria benefit from significant public health funding, ranking fourth among Australian states in per capita health expenditure. A recent study by the University of Technology Sydney Online examined national health expenditure data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare spanning from 2019 to 2024. The findings revealed that Victoria allocates an average of $11,749 per resident for health services, which is notably lower than the national average of $49,884 per capita during the same period.
The analysis highlighted that the state had an average population of approximately 5,618,800 over the five years, resulting in an annual health expenditure averaging $66.02 billion. The peak spending occurred in the year 2021–2022, when Victoria dedicated $70.18 billion to health services. In contrast, the lowest expenditure was recorded in 2019–2020, with a total of $58.83 billion.
Insights from the Research
A spokesperson from the University of Technology Sydney Online commented on the implications of these findings: “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.”
The study not only provides insight into Victoria’s health funding but also offers a broader view of health expenditure across Australia. The top five Australian states based on health spending per capita are as follows:
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
The remaining states, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania, recorded significantly lower per capita spending, with South Australia at $2,137, Northern Territory at $1,104, and Tasmania at $884.
Methodology and Data Sources
The study utilized comprehensive national health expenditure data from all Australian states and territories, conducted between 2019 and 2024. By comparing the five-year average annual spending figures against population data, researchers calculated the average total health spending per capita and ranked the regions accordingly.
For further details, the full research dataset is available from the University of Technology Sydney Online, which has gained recognition as Australia’s top-ranked young university, positioned among the top 100 universities globally. UTS offers fully online postgraduate courses designed to provide flexible education tailored to diverse career aspirations.
This analysis underscores the importance of strategic investment in health services, particularly in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape influenced by ongoing pressures from the pandemic. The findings may inform policymakers as they seek to enhance health outcomes across the region.
