Right now exists a compelling opportunity to change the world for future generations, writes St.LukesHealth CEO Paul Lupo.
The Federal Health Minister’s tough stance on vaping is to be applauded, but it will amount to nothing if the Government doesn’t take holistic action to close the loop on tobacco altogether.
A new study released by the Cancer Council Victoria’s Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer has revealed teen smoking has increased for the first time in 25 years against a backdrop of rising vape use.
The data indicates a three-fold increase in current tobacco smoking by 14-17 year-olds in just four years, from 2.1 per cent in 2018 to 6.7 per cent in 2022. Preliminary data from the first quarter of 2023 reveals 12.8 per cent of 14-17 year-olds reported smoking.
Specific data on vaping revealed a shocking rise among 14-17 year-olds, with fewer than 1 per cent using vapes in 2018, increasing to 11.8 per cent in 2022 and 14.5 per cent in early 2023.
This is a staggering scourge on our society and especially our children.
We know that people who vape are three times more likely to subsequently take up smoking, so with vapes soon to be taken off the market, we are simply setting our kids up to become the next generation of cigarette smokers.
The percentage of 14-17 year-olds both smoking and vaping has increased from 0.3 per cent to 4.4 per cent in four years. The earlier a person starts experimenting with cigarettes, the more likely they are to become a regular, long-term user.
This is the first time we’ve seen a rise in teen smoking since the early-to-mid 1990s, and let’s not forget, cigarettes kill up to two in three long-term smokers.
In Tasmania, the State Government’s Tobacco Control Plan Progress Report 2021, revealed that in 2017 as high as 4 per cent of young people aged 12 – 15 years smoked and 8 per cent of those aged 16 – 17 years smoked.
We still have the second highest rate of smoking in the country, contributing to an annual smoking-related death rate of 500 people. We also have the highest incidents of airways disease in Australia.
Soon, we will have a generation of young Tasmanians who vape, also poised to transition to cigarettes.
It is nothing more than a strategy by Big Tobacco that allows them to continue making billions of dollars at the expense of our children’s health.
Why on earth would we allow it?
Let’s not forget, tobacco is estimated to claim the lives of around 20,000 Australians every year – more than 50 people every day. This, paired with the recent rise in teen smoking, should be enough to make anyone shudder.
We are at a critical crossroads in our society, and we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect our children from one of the biggest killers of our time. But we must act now before these addictive behaviours become even more entrenched.
Let’s look back in 40 years’ time and say we did the right thing, not lament that we chose to take the easy road and exposed our children to something that need never have been part of their lives.
If the Federal Government is serious about reclaiming its position as a world leader in tobacco control, it must go further than simply introducing measure to reduce smoking rates.
Looking closer to home, why can’t Tasmania lead the nation on taking action to eliminate smoking for the next generation? We know from experience that we are perfectly suited to piloting community change programs – we’ve done so successfully with major national initiatives, such as the introduction of a total indoor smoking ban in 2006, and the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in 2013.
Tasmania cannot afford to wait for the Federal Government to enact change. Action is needed now. Looking at other states and territories who are already leading the charge, we must not be left behind. It will be to the detriment of our young people and generations to come.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St.LukesHealth.
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How is the next government going to do health differently?
As Tasmania approaches its second state election in less than two years, voters should be asking one critical question of every candidate: how will you do health differently?
Our health system is at a tipping point. Like the rest of the world, Tasmania faces a perfect storm of challenges: an ageing population, a looming global shortage of healthcare workers, and the unsustainable cost of managing increasing levels of chronic disease.
Yet, despite these clear warning signs, our political discourse remains stuck in reactive, short-term thinking.
According to the Demographic Change Advisory Council (DCAC), by 2030 one in four Tasmanians will be aged 65 and over. This compares to ABS data from 2011, revealing one in six were over 65, representing an increase of nearly 60,000 people in under two decades.
While we might be living longer, those extra years are generally spent in poor health. We must create a health system that narrows the gap between our health span – that is the years spent in good health – and our lifespan.
Our aging population draws down heavier on the acute health system, consuming exponentially more of the health spend. This underlines the importance of targeted interventions and prevention measures to address healthcare needs, as many of these cases are driven by chronic illness that are largely preventable.
Despite this, currently less than three per cent of the health budget is allocated to preventive care. This is not only shortsighted, but also economically reckless. Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are ballooning in cost and prevalence.
We need a visionary health strategy that prioritises keeping people well, not just treating them when they’re sick. It is not about spending more, it’s about spending smarter.
Further to this, by 2030 – just five years from now – the world will be short 10 million healthcare workers.
That’s not a distant problem – it’s a crisis already knocking on our door. Tasmania, with its ageing demographic and regional health disparities, is especially vulnerable. While the government has increased funding, training and recruitment of healthcare workers, this alone isn’t a smart pathway forward. We need to fundamentally change how our health system functions and look to new, more efficient models of care that adequately support our valuable healthcare workforce.
Other countries are already pivoting. They’re investing in community-based preventative care, digital health solutions, and workforce innovation. Australia, and indeed Tasmania must follow suit, or risk lagging even further behind.
This means reimagining how we train and deploy our health workforce, and it requires political courage. Candidates must move beyond platitudes and commit to structural reform.
Tasmanians deserve a health system that is proactive, equitable, and sustainable. This election is a chance to demand it. Voters should press every candidate on how they plan to tackle the health workforce crisis, invest in prevention, and reduce the burden of chronic disease in our state.
Doing health differently isn’t just a policy choice, it’s a moral imperative. The future of Tasmania’s wellbeing depends on it. We can lead the nation in health innovation, if only we are willing.
This is not a cost, it’s an investment in our own future and that of the next generation.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes.
Launceston co-located hospital commitment welcomed
St Lukes has been long-time advocate for a co-located hospital in Northern Tasmania and welcomes any political commitment that opens the doors to private investment in our state.
We know through engagement with our members in the north of the state just how critical it is for the community to have access to a co-located hospital that provides a greater breadth of services beyond acute care.
Around 80 per cent of all elective surgeries in Tasmania happen in the private sector, which significantly eases the burden on the public hospital system.
We are committed to working constructively with both private and public operators to ensure we deliver the best health care we can, as we continue our work to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
A co-located hospital at the LGH is a fundamental first step to creating one of the best regional health systems in Australia, with the ability to attract and retain the highest caliber specialists to the north of the state.
St Lukes demands action this state election to transform Tasmania’s health outcomes
Leading Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes is calling for political vision this state election, outlining two priorities that will pave the way for a healthier and more resilient Tasmania and help break the cycle of reactive care in the state.
St Lukes is asking candidates to commit to the immediate rollout of a whole-of-government approach to a preventative health strategy within the first term of government.
As a first proof point, St Lukes is seeking support for a grants program that would enable a ready-to-go health literacy program to be scaled up to Tasmanian schools, providing the next generation with the tools they need to make better informed decisions around their health.
CEO Paul Lupo said chronic illness and mental health challenges were overwhelming the state’s health system, yet 80 per cent of these conditions were lifestyle-related and entirely preventable.
"Preventative health isn’t a nice-to-have – it is a must-have investment in our community’s health, and our government must shift its focus from continuously funding a system that predominantly manages sickness, to proactively investing in one that builds greater sustainable health and wellness.
“This will in turn enable the acute health system to deal with those issues which are outside of our control in a timelier fashion.
“It is not about spending more, it’s about spending smarter.”
Mr Lupo said the preventative health strategy must prioritise long-term commitment to the front end of health care, spanning education, planning, social services, housing, and community.
"There is a growing appetite in the community for more investment in initiatives that empower individuals to make better decisions about things that could negatively impact their health – St Lukes’ wellness hubs are proof of this,” he said.
“We have partnered with more than 200 organisations to deliver a range of health and wellbeing initiatives, with more than 22,000 Tasmanians engaging in services since opening in Hobart and Launceston in August 2023 and July 2024 respectively.
“These organisations stand ready and willing to support the government with the implementation of a holistic, preventative health strategy.”
St Lukes is also calling for the introduction of a grant scheme to provide Tasmanian primary schools with immediate and direct access to an internationally acclaimed, evidence-based health literacy program, developed right here in the state.
“HealthLit4Kids works at a local level with children, their teachers, families, and their broader school communities to develop innovative approaches to learning and health,” Mr Lupo said.
“More than three in five Tasmanians have inadequate health literacy, and close to half of all Tasmanian adults have difficulty accessing the healthcare providers they need.
“The program has featured in more than 16 academic papers and three World Health Organisation reports as an exemplar for addressing chronic diseases.
“There are already successful case studies for the program, including Bowen Road Primary School, and there is high demand from more than 30 schools across the state, eager to introduce the program to their school communities.”
Mr Lupo said the state election provided an opportunity for the major parties to do health differently, and for new candidates to bring a fresh approach.
“We truly believe Tasmania can lead the nation in health innovation, if only we are willing,” he said.
“This is not a cost, it’s an investment in our own futures and those of our future generations.”
ENDS
For further information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations – 0429 683 779.
A conservative budget should not mean conservative thinking
As the Tasmanian Government prepares to hand down its next state budget, we stand at a critical crossroads. With some of the poorest health outcomes in the country, this budget must be more than a financial statement. It must represent a bold commitment to change. It is a chance to invest in the front end of health, shifting our focus from reactive healthcare to proactive, preventative action.
Tasmania holds a unique and enviable advantage – one that, if unlocked, could be our greatest strength. It is our ability to connect and collaborate. Not as just a feel-good concept, but as a strategic imperative. This budget is an opportunity to harness that superpower – to fund the partnerships, programs, and community-led solutions that are already proving their worth, but lack the scale and long-term investment that will lead to true generational change.
St Lukes has a vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, and we know from engaging with our members and the broader community that there is a critical need for greater support and encouragement that will empower individuals to lead healthier lives and enable them to stay healthy, for longer.
Social connection is at the heart of this, and lucky for us this ethos is already embedded in our state’s DNA.
Tasmania’s close connectivity, spanning government, private and public sectors is what makes us unique and gives us a chance to do things differently. To innovate, and to lead.
But we must not take this for granted.
Right now, our shared purpose couldn’t be clearer – we must shift from continuously funding a system that manages sickness, to investing in one that builds greater health and wellness.
Across Tasmania, individuals and organisations are doing brilliant work to empower people to live healthier lives. While our efforts may differ in scale and focus, we are all striving toward the same goal. Imagine the impact we could have if we combined our efforts more deliberately – sharing expertise, resources, and perspectives to see the bigger picture.
We’ve already seen what’s possible. The recent legislation restricting the availability of vapes in Tasmania is a powerful example of what collaboration can achieve. It wasn’t just strong government leadership that made it happen, it was the collective voice of community organisations, health advocates, researchers, and frontline workers. St Lukes was proud to stand alongside the Cancer Council, Quit Tasmania, the Pharmacy Guild, Home Base and others to advocate for the legislation.
But we need more than isolated wins. We need systemic change.
During the recent federal election, health was once again a top concern for voters. No surprises there. Yet once again we saw nothing in the way of bold, preventative health policy. St Lukes called for an election commitment to establish a Healthy Futures Fund dedicated to exclusively supporting preventative health initiatives.
Tasmania is the perfect place to pilot such a fund. We have the collaborative spirit and the innovative mindset to make it work.
We’re not seeking charity but rather support to empower the many Tasmanians already delivering outstanding programs that deserve to be scaled-up and sustainable. Yes, budgets are tight but now is not the time for caution. Now is the time for courageous, collaborative thinking, both from governments and communities alike.
We have the capability to turn Tasmania’s health story around. But we need investment, coordination, and innovation. If we stay focused on the end goal and support one another, we can build a movement that transforms health from a struggle into a strength.
This should not be seen as a cost, but an investment capable of delivering critical dividends, not just in monetary terms but in improved health and life expectancy.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes.
Sensory inclusivity takes centre court at St Lukes Tasmanian Derby
Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes has joined forces with the Hobart Chargers to provide a more inclusive game-day experience, with the Chargers becoming the latest team to adopt St Lukes’ sensory packs.
The St Lukes Tasmanian Derby will take place this Friday, showcasing the state’s top NBL1 talent and rallying communities around their local teams.
St Lukes Head of Community Engagement, Nikki Long, said they were proud to partner with the Hobart Chargers as the third Tasmanian organisation to adopt St Lukes sensory packs.
“Just like the Tasmania JackJumpers, the Hobart Chargers have implemented St Lukes sensory packs – which include a weighted blanket, noise cancelling headphones, a fidget spinner, sunglasses and ear plugs – and are free to borrow for the duration of the game,” Ms Long said.
“We know the game day atmosphere can be overwhelming. Those with sensory challenges shouldn’t have to miss out on the excitement and the community connection that comes from backing their team.”
Ms Long said it was great to see basketball growing in popularity in Tasmania, particularly at the grassroots level of the NBL1.
“Sports such as basketball bring people together, and we know that strong social connections have a direct impact on healthy behaviours, as does feeling part of a team,” she said.
“We’re proud to connect to Tasmanians to the right services that make health and wellbeing easier, and by partnering with organisations such as the Hobart Chargers, we’re encouraging social connections that we know are critical in achieving our vision to make Tasmanian the healthiest island on the planet.”
The Hobart Chargers were thrilled to be teaming up with St Lukes, said head of Media and Communications, Justin Bryan.
“The Tasmanian Derby has been a staple event on the Tasmanian basketball calendar for over two decades, as the north and the south of our great island come together to compete and celebrate all things great about the sport of basketball,” he said.
“With a focus on giving everyone in the Tasmanian community a chance to be at their best and achieve their goals both on or off the court, the partnership between the Chargers and St Lukes reflects the values of both organisations as they look to improve pathways for all Tasmanians.”
The St Lukes Tasmanian Derby takes place at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre on Friday 30th May. The women’s game tips off at 6pm, and the men’s at 8pm.
Mental health advocate backs wellness hub for North-West Tasmania
A prominent Tasmanian mental health advocacy organisation is throwing its support behind St Lukes' proposal for a wellness hub in Devonport, reinforcing the urgent need for more access to preventative health programs across the state’s North-West.
Leading Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes, in partnership with Devonport City Council, is seeking $1 million in Federal Government funding to construct the facility, which aims to foster a community culture of movement, nutrition, and connection.
Mental health and suicide prevention advocacy organisation, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, is backing the proposal, welcoming its potential to improve mental health and wellbeing across the region.
Founder Mitch McPherson said the proposal highlighted the critical role of accessible community spaces in reducing social isolation and promoting positive health choices.
"Initiatives such as St Lukes' wellness hub have the power to bring people together in ways that support both their physical and mental health, potentially helping countless people on their wellbeing journeys," Mr McPherson said.
“St Lukes has been a key component and entirely instrumental in making Mental Health First Aid training available to the Tasmanian community, allowing the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY team to use their wellness hubs in Hobart and Launceston, entirely free of charge.
“Providing a safe, comfortable, and private environment is extremely important to conducting successful training and to ensure the wellbeing of all participants. This is exactly what the St Lukes hubs encompass.”
In 2021, 41 per cent of the population in Devonport reported having a long-term health condition – this was 1.6 per cent higher than Tasmania and 5.3 per cent higher than Australia as a whole.
With one in five Tasmanians also living with mental health issues, St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo emphasised the urgency of action.
"The backing from our community partners, including SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, reinforces what we already know – that there is a deep need for preventative health initiatives in North-West Tasmania," Mr Lupo said.
"Our Devonport wellness hub will fill a gap and provide a non-intimidating entry point for people who want to take charge of their health, but don't know where to start.”
St Lukes Event and Partnership Manager, Nikki Long, said the wellness hub model delivered the key ingredients for better health and wellness outcomes, without the need for medical intervention.
“Our wellness hubs are welcoming spaces that bring together like-minded individuals and organisations to offer a diverse range of preventative health and wellbeing programs for the community that encourage movement, nutrition and connection,” Ms Long said.
“We’ve experienced huge demand since opening our first two hubs in Hobart and Launceston, which have seen 18,954 Tasmanians attending events and programs since they opened.”
Mr Lupo said having the support of organisations like SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY reinforced the sentiment of the organisation’s members, with 90 per cent supporting the wellness hub proposal for the North-West.
“With strong support at community level, St Lukes and Devonport City Council are urging the Federal Government to recognise the opportunity for investment in Tasmania’s long-term health future,” Mr Lupo said.
The proposed wellness hub would be located within the Devonport Oval Precinct, with St Lukes responsible for its operation, ensuring alignment with Devonport City Council’s Living Well Devonport Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
ENDS
Contact: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations – 0429 683 779 | jacquie@timminsray.com.au
‘Healthiest Island’ partnership brings surgery-saving program North
Tasmanian-first program preventing osteoarthritis-related surgery launches in Launceston
A program revolutionising osteoarthritis (OA) treatment and drastically reducing the need for surgical hip and knee replacements is expanding to Launceston, thanks to a key partnership between two healthcare providers committed to keeping Tasmanians out of hospital.
The collaboration between Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes and Kieser Australia uses guided physiotherapy and strength training for people diagnosed with hip or knee OA, with the aim to delay or avoid surgery altogether. Patients would otherwise need an urgent joint replacement, or suffer through pain, reduced movement, and flow-on health impacts.
OA is a chronic degenerative joint disease, causing pain, stiffness and disability. Around 2.2 million Australians currently suffer from OA – a number that is predicted to increase to 3.1 million by 2030. As the primary treatment for OA, joint replacements are on the rise, increasing 32 per cent between 2008 to 2018.
The program’s expansion to the north follows the overwhelming success of the initial Kieser Osteoarthritis Pilot Program – a Tasmanian-first developed in partnership with St Lukes in the south of the state.
St Lukes Chief Health Officer Luke Cameron said they were continuing to explore with Kieser ways to better understand the impact of OA in regional areas, and what models of care could be developed to assist in keeping more Tasmanians out of hospital.
“The first group of participants in this pilot program were able to achieve significant functional and strength improvements, and on average their pain levels halved,” Mr Cameron said.
“For people living with chronic pain, that’s a remarkable result which makes a huge difference to their quality of life.
“The feedback in southern Tasmania was so positive that we are proud to now bring the program to Launceston, to help keep those suffering from osteoarthritis moving, healthy, and out of hospital.
“St Lukes has a vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, and we are thrilled to partner with providers such as Kieser to look at health challenges such as OA holistically.”
Kieser Australia Clinic Leader Jed Morgan said there was significant need for the program in northern Tasmania.
“This is a pilot we’ve developed together with St Lukes, targeted to the needs and lifestyles of Tasmanians, and we’re thrilled to collaborate on a new program for people in the north,” he said.
“Over 14 weeks, we work with clients with OA on a tailored program in the Kieser facility. The program involves one-on-one sessions with our physiotherapists and exercise scientists to isolate the muscles associated with their pathology, restoring strength and function to our clients.
“There are clear physical benefits, but we also see a huge improvement in participants’ mental health and wellbeing as the burden of chronic pain eases and they enjoy improved strength, fitness and quality of life.”
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said the OA program was an excellent example of the non-profit’s focus on preventative and early intervention action to keep people out of hospital.
“People’s expectations of private health are changing,” Mr Lupo said. “Our members now want us to help them maintain and optimise their health and wellbeing, not just to get well again once a serious health issue hits.
“That’s why this federal election, we’re advocating for regulatory change that would allow funds like St Lukes to play a greater role in primary care, especially in the preventative space.
“We’re also asking candidates to back a hospital-in-the-home program, where GPs can refer patients for home-based acute care, and remain involved in collaborative discussions about patients’ care – exactly what we’ve seen happen with our Kieser OA pilot program.
“This is not a minor issue. Last financial year, joint replacements were our second biggest hospital claim area, a close second to heart-related procedures. OA claims will only increase as Tasmania’s population ages. If we can keep even a percentage of those members from needing surgery through early, non-surgical treatment, it will relieve pressure on our hospitals and joint replacement waitlists.
“Programs like this that make hospital admission a last resort are a great proof point of our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
[1] Ackerman I L et al, Counting the cost: the current and future burden of arthritis. Arthritis Australia. 2016.
[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoarthritis/data
1300 handmade hearts for cardiac care and awareness
Tasmanians are being invited to help hand-make 1300 felt hearts to raise awareness for the number of people who die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD), all while having a healthy conversation about their own wellbeing.
The 1300 Hearts project is being run by Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes through its wellness hubs in Launceston and Hobart, and at Agfest. In partnership with 1000 Hearts – an evidence-based Tasmanian social enterprise with global reach – the handmade pocket hearts are used for outreach, connection and resilience-building for people who are struggling with their physical or mental health.
St Lukes Health Navigator Nicole Grose said the initiative was the perfect fit for the organisation’s health navigation service, which was designed to support community members as they navigate the healthcare system – and their own health journeys.
“We know finding your way through the health system can be tricky, and many people want to make lifestyle changes to keep themselves well but simply don’t know where to start,” Ms Grose said.
“We help empower everyone, not just St Lukes members, to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
“When people come in to make a heart or two, they can also chat with a St Lukes health navigator about some of their health issues, ask questions and get advice on services available to them.
“At the same time, we’ll be raising awareness of CVD, and then donating the hearts to Tasmanian hospitals to provide a small comfort and support to patients and their families.”
Tasmania has a higher prevalence of CVD compared to the national average, with a 13 per cent higher incidence. This is partly due to higher rates of risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.
St Lukes Head of Customer Service Kate Denmen said the 1300 hearts project was a novel way of raising awareness about the risks of CVD, and the steps people can take to avoid it.
“Our wellness hubs and health navigation service have been designed to make the health journey of every Tasmanian that little bit easier,” Mrs Denmen said.
“On top of the 1300 people who die of CVD each year, there are more than 30,000 Tasmanians living with debilitating effects of heart disease or stroke – but it doesn’t need to be this way.
“Many of the symptoms and risks of heart disease can be lessened or even reversed by a change in lifestyle. This focus on prevention is all part of our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
Founder of the original 1000 Hearts initiative, Sarah De Jonge, said she was thrilled to work with St Lukes to raise CVD awareness and action.
“Our initial concept was about spreading kindness, reducing isolation, and letting people know that no matter what they’re going through, someone cares,” Ms De Jonge said.
“1300 hearts is the perfect way to incorporate 1000 Hearts’ mission into St Lukes’ work, because it creates community connection in sewing the hearts, supports those already suffering from this chronic illness, and motivates us to show self-care and look after ourselves and our health.”
People can join the 1300 Hearts project at St Lukes’ wellness hub in Hobart on May 5th from 1.30pm-4.30pm, and in Launceston on May 7th, from 2-4pm, or at the St Lukes Agfest stand 601-603 from May 1-3.
ENDS
Tasmania is the place to pilot revolutionary health care
It is no surprise that health has emerged again as a defining issue this federal election. Until we tackle our health issues at the source, they will continue to worsen. We neglect long-term preventive health investment at our own peril.
Within this reality lies a compelling case for Tasmania’s political candidates to demonstrate transformative national leadership and position our state to become the blueprint for revolutionary preventative health care models, setting a new standard for regional Australia.
Tasmania is grappling with some of the country's most alarming health statistics, including a staggering 20-year gap in life expectancy between Bridgewater and Sandy Bay residents[1]. We have among the highest rates of smoking, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and asthma. One in five Tasmanians also live with mental health issues. This is an unconscionable reality that demands immediate action.
But while chronic illness remains one of the state’s biggest health challenges, the good news is 80 per cent of these conditions are lifestyle-related and completely preventable. Despite this, the Tasmanian Government is spending a mere fraction (just three per cent) of the state’s health budget on preventative health. Like most state health systems, it is in constant firefighting mode.
With a vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, St Lukes proposes a game-changer this election – the creation of a federally backed Healthy Futures Fund.
Much like the Australian Government’s forward-thinking future fund for infrastructure, guaranteed funding specifically for preventative health would empower small-scale programs to reach impactful scales, while fostering innovative approaches to community health, all geared to achieve generational change.
As an example, targeted initiatives in health literacy, smoking cessation, obesity prevention, and mental health could alleviate immense pressure on overburdened health systems.
St Lukes is ready to work with the government of the day to find and facilitate solutions in this space because: a) it is the right thing to do; b) it takes pressure off the public system; and c) it is an area where the public and private sectors can work together to create health systems that better meet community expectations.
We now cover more Tasmanians than any other private health insurer, and our members expect more from us – they want us to help them be healthy and stay well, so we’re answering the call.
We have a bigger role to play in primary care and we know this is supported by our community because our membership informs everything we do and we see it every day in our wellness hubs, where we fund a range of preventative initiatives for the whole community.
In addition to the Healthy Futures Fund, we are advocating for $1 million in federal funding to construct our third wellness hub in Devonport. We’ve experienced huge demand since opening our first two hubs in Hobart and Launceston, filling a gap for Tasmanians who want to get healthier, but don’t know how or where to start.
We are also seeking support to pilot a new model of care, providing acute home-based treatment for patients who would normally be admitted to hospital. By stepping up services outside hospital walls, the program would reduce preventable admissions, drive better patient outcomes, and generate invaluable data to inform broader adoption across Australia.
These initiatives represent a paradigm shift. Small investments that have the potential to lead to real generational change, if only we saw a government willing to look at the big picture.
Tasmania can turn its appalling situation around and leave a legacy of health care innovation. With the Federal Government's support, these initiatives can save lives, enhance life expectancy, and set an enduring example for the rest of Australia.
We are asking for a hand up, not a hand out, to redefine health care for our future generations.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes.
[1] University of Tasmania | The education crisis imperilling Tasmania’s future and what we can do about it.
Tasmanian influenza cases surge while vaccination rates hit five-year low
Tasmanians are being urged not to be complacent about getting their flu vaccination, with rates of influenza in the community up almost 60 per cent[1] compared to the same time last year.
While infection rates surge, vaccine uptake is on a downward trend ahead of this year’s flu season, with just under 217,000 Tasmanians receiving a flu shot in 2024 – the lowest vaccination rate in five years.
Nationally, the worst March quarter for flu cases has been reported, with more than 50,000 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases across Australia. This eclipses last year’s record high for January to March 2024 by more than 50 per cent.
With Tasmanian flu numbers typically following three to four weeks behind the mainland, not-for-profit St Lukes says it’s important to stay ahead of the wave. St Lukes is partnering with the Pharmacy Guild to provide free flu shots to more than 67,000 members with Extras cover in Tasmania.
“The flu is the most common illness that can be prevented with a vaccine and the increase of cases already being seen in the community is a serious concern,” St Lukes Chief Operating Officer, Darren Harris said.
“We’re focused on keeping our members well and preventing serious illness, which is why we’re working alongside the Pharmacy Guild to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep people well throughout the winter months.
“A flu shot both reduces the severity of your own symptoms and helps stop the spread, especially to vulnerable Tasmanians.”
National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System data shows there has been a significant year-on-year increase in flu cases in the Tasmanian community, with more than 600 cases so far this year, compared to 399 at the same time last year – an increase of 60 per cent.
Tasmanian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild’s Vice President Helen O’Byrne said 2025 flu stock had begun to arrive and community pharmacists statewide were ready to vaccinate.
“Influenza is a really serious illness that can result in hospitalisation in some cases”, Ms O’Byrne said.
“We know it is already circulating in high numbers in the Tasmanian community and a vaccine is the best defence against this, so we want to see as many Tasmanians getting immunised as possible.
“Next time you’re in your local community pharmacy, have a conversation with the pharmacist about getting a flu vaccination.”
Pharmacists in Tasmania can administer influenza immunisations for anybody over five years of age. Younger Tasmanians and certain at-risk cohorts are eligible for free vaccination under the National Immunisation Program, which can also be accessed through their GP.
Ms O’Byrne said ensuring Tasmanians were up to date with vaccinations was especially important at this time of year, with other seasonal viruses like COVID-19 and RSV impacting people’s immune systems.
“Pharmacists can check if you’re due for a COVID booster for example and provide eligible patients with both at the one time, which is a really convenient option for a lot of Tasmanians.
“The Guild is proud to be partnering with St Lukes again this year, and we look forward to seeing thousands of Tasmanians taking up this opportunity.”
The St Lukes free flu vaccinations are available now at participating pharmacies – members can see the full list and make a booking here.
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Contact: Emily Woodgate, Timmins Ray Public Relations – 0412 828 802 | emily@timminsray.com.au
[1] National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDS)
St Lukes seeks federal funding to deliver successful wellness hub model in Devonport
Leading Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes has entered into a strategic partnership with Devonport City Council, aimed at connecting the community to deliver better health outcomes for North-West Tasmanians – with the Federal Government urged to get on board.
St Lukes is asking for $1 million in Federal Government funding to construct a wellness hub in Devonport, delivering its proven model to the North-West of the state, in partnership with the Council.
St Lukes initiated discussions with federal politicians some months ago and intends to ramp up its campaign in the lead up to the federal election.
With the burden of preventable chronic disease in North-West Tasmania among the highest in Australia, St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said the wellness hub represented a multi-generation investment in the health and wellbeing of Devonport and the broader region.
“St Lukes partnership with the Devonport City Council is a strategic collaboration that will serve as a catalyst for connection within the community,” Mr Lupo said.
“There is a critical and urgent need to better engage and communities in areas where they can manage their health through preventative lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes.
“Our wellness hub concept for the North-West provides an entry point for people in the community who want to make positive changes to their health, but simply don’t know where to start, offering a diverse range of preventative health and wellbeing programs that encourage movement, nutrition and connection.”
In 2021, 41 per cent of the population in Devonport reported having a long-term health condition –1.6 per cent higher than Tasmania and 5.3 per cent higher than Australia as a whole.
Further, almost two thirds of the North-West population are overweight or obese, more than 70 per cent undertake insufficient physical activity, and only one in 20 (6 per cent) eat enough vegetables.
With a vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, Mr Lupo said St Lukes was determined to help shift the dial.
“These poor health outcomes represent a long-term situation, highlighting the challenges our health system faces in addressing entrenched negative health trends within targeted regional populations,” he said.
“The Devonport wellness hub will benefit from the learnings of our Hobart and Launceston hubs, which have welcomed more than 15,000 people participating in a range of activities and events.”
Under St Lukes’ proposal, the Federal Government would fund the build and fit-out of the wellness hub open to the whole community, with Devonport City Council providing the location, already identified within the planned Devonport Oval Precinct.
St Lukes will provide its wellness hub model and be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the North-West hub, working closely with Council to ensure strategic alignment to its Living Well Devonport Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarmen said Council welcomed the proposal, which would further leverage existing federal funding for the sporting precinct, enhancing the benefits of both initiatives to deliver an even greater outcome for the community.
“We have a timely and unique opportunity to integrate a dedicated wellness hub into the facility that acts as an entry point to capture a broader audience who might not directly participate in the sporting complex,” Mayor Jarmen said.
“St Lukes’ vision for Tasmania to be the heathiest Island on the planet strongly aligns with Council’s aspiration for all our community members to be eating, moving, being, learning, and connecting with a sense of belonging and pride in the place we call home.
“The proposal represents a multi-generation investment in the health and wellbeing of our city and the broader region.”
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For more information
Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
[1] Devonport City Council Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-2033
New gap-free network makes dental more affordable for Tasmanians
More Tasmanians are now able to access preventative dental services, thanks to St Lukes’ new network which provides preventative oral healthcare – with no out-of-pocket. Dentists statewide are signing up to the St Lukes Dental Network, calling it a gamechanger in improving the state’s lagging health outcomes.
Tasmanians face some of the nation’s biggest oral health challenges, and private dental care – especially for major procedures – can impose a significant cost on family budgets.
To encourage people to take action on their oral health, Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes has created the St Lukes Dental Network, where members with eligible extras pay no out-of-pocket for preventative procedures such as examinations, x-rays, scale and clean, and fissure sealing.
St Lukes Chief Operating Officer Darren Harris said patients at clinics outside of the dental network typically pay a gap between what their fund covers and fees charged by the clinic, even if they have private health insurance.
“St Lukes Dental Network gives members peace of mind that they can go for a check-up with no out-of-pocket costs, meaning there’s one less reason to put off a visit to the dentist,” he said.
“Unlike some of the major insurers, we don’t just provide gap-free treatment at our own St Lukes Dental clinics – any practice can be part of the network, and we’ve been thrilled by the uptake.
“Dentists are supporting our commitment to preventative care and want to join forces with St Lukes as a local not-for-profit fund investing back into the state, with a mission of making Tasmania the healthiest island of the planet.”
Dr Brandon Krapf at Trusted Smiles in Westbury joined the Network because it makes regular preventative dental affordable for his largely rural patient base.
“Our goal is to keep patients coming in for regular checkups, catching minor issues early before they become a dental emergency,” he said.
“If funds only remunerate for major dental, it’s a disincentive for dentists to prioritise preventative services. We’ve signed up to St Lukes Dental Network because it actively encourages preventative treatment, which is absolutely aligned with our ethos.
“It’s a win-win, because St Lukes has a genuine commitment to do what’s best for patients and improve Tasmanians’ oral health, while they compensate dentists at the market rate for preventative work, ensuring the viability of our business.”
Dr Krapf was born and raised in America, studied dentistry at the University of Melbourne, and moved to Tasmania in 2016 because his young family loved the lifestyle.
“Of course, in a regional community, the ultimate benefit is seeing more of our neighbours and friends with healthy teeth and gums, and confident smiles,” he said.
With a shortage of dentists in Tasmania, St Lukes hopes the network will attract more clinicians like Dr Krapf to the state, where they can make a real difference in their communities.
“Helping treat more patients in the private system will have a big impact for Tasmanians by reducing pressure on the public dental waitlist, which is currently around four years for non- emergency procedures,” said Mr Harris.
Members can find their closest St Lukes Dental Network dentist at stlukes.com.au/dental/providers.
Pivotal moment in state's public health history
Quotes to be attributed to St Lukes CEO, Paul Lupo:
“St Lukes welcomes today’s upper house passing of the State Government’s Public Health Amendment (Vaping) Bill to restrict the availability of vapes and vaping products in Tasmania.
“The Tasmanian community has spoken, making it clear we don’t want vapes in our state – particularly in the hands of young Tasmanians – and our government and elected representatives have rightfully acted.
“This legislation is nation-leading, marking a pivotal moment in our state’s public health history, helping our community avoid another pathway to addiction as well as negative health impacts and chronic disease.
“It is a shining demonstration of a truly community-led initiative, and St Lukes has been privileged to represent the views of so many Tasmanians wanting better protection for our future generations, putting their case to our parliamentarians.
“It upholds the original intent of Commonwealth legislation and demonstrates a genuine commitment from our Parliament to enshrine long-term health benefits for the Tasmanian community.
“While the Bill in isolation cannot address the entire problem of smoking and vaping in our community, it is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
“It will protect Tasmanians from harm while ensuring there continues to be opportunities for those who do vape to get the support they need to quit.
“St Lukes remains committed to working with government, healthcare providers and stakeholders to ensure there continues to be opportunities for those who do vape, to get the support they need to quit.
“A coordinated effort between both state and federal governments is also needed to intercept the importation of vapes, and to police on-the-ground measures including fines and imprisonment for illegally selling vapes.
“As one of Tasmania’s largest non-profits, St Lukes will continue our work and advocacy in this space to ensure we are doing everything we can as a state to set this legislation up for success.”
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For further information contact Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
Nation-leading vaping Bill will save lives for generations to come
Tasmania’s Public Health Amendment (Vaping) Bill 2024 was debated in the House of Assembly late last year, and the Legislative Council now has a rare opportunity to act on a nation-leading regulatory response to a dire public health issue.
As health professionals, public health experts, social workers, smoking cessation professionals, and parents of young Tasmanians, we are united in our strong support for this Bill. We all have an interest in protecting the health of Tasmanians and turning our island’s health profile around, empowering our community to be as healthy as it can possibly be.
And we know we’re not alone. Through our engagement with the community, we know there is a widespread desire for change.
Unfortunately, there is more and more evidence of the harm vaping is causing, especially to young Tasmanians.
Vaping has been found to be bad for our health, including associations with respiratory and heart issues, cancer, adverse effects on oral health, and alarmingly, harm to adolescent brain development.
It is crucial the community is sent the message loud and clear that vaping is not harmless.
We must do all we can to reduce tobacco and nicotine use by maintaining tight safeguards on access to vaping products, while ensuring the right evidence-based quitting support is available for those who want to quit smoking.
Young Tasmanians in particular are facing significant challenges because of these products. Recent national research shows young people who have vaped are five times more likely to start smoking, with the youngest at the highest risk (29 times more likely).
Tasmania already has the second highest rate of smoking in the country – higher than the national average for at least the last 20 years – and this has contributed to an annual smoking-related death rate of over 500 Tasmanians.
While this Bill in isolation cannot address the entire problem of smoking and vaping in our community, it is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Tasmania has been provided $1.4 million over four years to ensure increased evidence-based smoking and vaping cessation support is available for everyone in the community, regardless of their location.
This increased investment includes the extension of Quitline’s operating hours to 8am-8pm Monday to Friday (13 7848 or quittas.org.au), specialised counselling for young people, new youth-appropriate support channels and intensive support for priority population groups.
Tasmanians can also continue to access smoking and vaping cessation support through GPs, community pharmacies and other service providers.
And while this Bill will continue to enable access to vaping products, provided an appropriate prescription has been issued, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (responsible for regulating vaping products) has been crystal clear – vapes are unapproved therapeutic products and are not part of a frontline health response when it comes to smoking cessation.
This Bill will protect Tasmanians from harm while ensuring there continues to be opportunities for those who do vape to get the support they need to quit.
Our organisations are collectively lending strong support to the legislation because of this, and we encourage our members of the Tasmanian Upper House to support it when it comes on for debate in the Legislative Council.
Right now, Tasmania has an opportunity to lead the nation in protecting our kids against this scourge on our society.
Authors:
- Abby Smith – Director Prevention & Quit Tasmania, Cancer Council Tasmania
- Alison Lai – CEO, Cancer Council Tasmania
- Di Underwood – CEO, Home Base
- Joseph O’Malley – Tasmanian Branch President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
- Paul Lupo – CEO, St Lukes.
St Lukes puts members first with one of the lowest premium increases
- Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes puts health of 95,500 members first.
- St Lukes’ 2.88 per cent average premium increase is almost one full percentage point below the industry average.
- St Lukes’ 10-year average premium increase (3.42 per cent) is lower than almost every other fund in Australia.
Not-for-profit Tasmanian health insurer St Lukes has continued its track record for putting members first, working to keep premium increases as low as possible while delivering award-winning cover to its 95,500 members.
CEO Paul Lupo said ensuring members receive value from their private health insurance remains front-of-mind this year, keeping St Lukes’ 10-year average premium increase among the lowest of any private health insurer in Australia.
“St Lukes now insures more Tasmanians than any other provider – a reflection of our deep commitment to this state and our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet,” Mr Lupo said.
“As a not-for-profit insurer we answer directly to our members, and are keenly aware of Tasmanians’ concerns about cost of living and timely access to medical care.
“That’s why we pride ourselves on keeping St Lukes’ rate rises consistently low, maintaining the sustainability of our fund, while reinvesting any profits back into areas that will directly benefit our members.”
St Lukes members will see an average rate increase of just 2.88 per cent this year – almost one full percentage point below the industry average and significantly lower than the average premium hikes of major competitors, including Bupa (5.1 per cent) and Medibank (3.99 per cent).
“To us, value means continually reviewing our range of products, ensuring members can choose the right level of cover for their needs and budget,” Mr Lupo said.
“With a focus on early intervention, prevention and community engagement, we’re working to support and empower our members to enjoy not just good health, but excellent health for years to come.”
St Lukes hospital cover has been recognised in Tasmania by CANSTAR for its outstanding value for the past two years, acknowledging its competitive policies that enable consumers to find the right balance of cost and coverage to suit their needs. This includes the delivery of affordable Gold products that meet the needs of members.
St Lukes is finalising its rates for individual policies, and will communicate members’ new rates as calculations are completed. Changes to premiums will take effect from April 1.
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Media Statement regarding Hobart Private Hospital obstetrics
St Lukes is demanding an urgent meeting with key health stakeholders, in response to worrying reports about the future of obstetric services at the Hobart Private Hospital, owned by Healthscope.
St Lukes has had positive engagement with the Tasmanian Health Minister’s Office on the issue and is seeking to bring together key stakeholders at state level to explore possible solutions before briefing the Federal Health Minister.
These stakeholders include the Department of Health, Healthscope, Calvary Healthcare, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian College of Midwives, and the Australian Medical Association.
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said unfortunately, this was not the first time private birthing services in Tasmania had been challenged with closures.
“This issue goes beyond individual providers. We must look at the healthcare system holistically and the need for alternate models of care in this state,” Mr Lupo said.
“What we don’t need is further division and politicising of key health challenges that divert attention away from patient-centred care.
“As such, we are urging all relevant parties to work together in good faith to ensure the healthcare needs of Tasmanian women are put first.
“As a Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer, St Lukes is committed to working constructively with both private and public operators to ensure all Tasmanians have access to the right healthcare, in the right setting, at the right cost – no matter where they live.
“We are actively engaging with other health providers to find solutions, including exploring potential pathways of care that St Lukes could facilitate to help meet community expectations of both the private and public systems.
“We will continue to work with stakeholders to deliver a sustainable private system where funding is delivered in the right direction, and advocate for a modern healthcare system that Tasmanians can rely on and be proud of.”
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Contact: Jacquie Ray Timmins Ray Public Relations – 0429 683 779.
Diabetes groups unite on new tactics to tackle chronic condition
Tasmanian health, advocacy and community groups are joining forces to make the biggest impact in reducing rates of type 2 diabetes – one of the state’s largest and most complex health challenges.
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. Around five per cent of Australians live with diagnosed diabetes, a figure that has increased almost three-fold since 2000. In Tasmania, that figure is even higher at 6.1 per cent.
Organisations dedicated to helping Tasmanians living with diabetes, or working to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, have gathered at the St Lukes wellness hub in Launceston for a think tank-style event.
As a not-for-profit health insurer at the intersection of advocacy groups, clinical care, and the community, St Lukes Chief Health Officer Luke Cameron said they were really pleased to be able to bring different voices together to enact generational change.
“Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in up to 58 per cent of cases, or effectively managed through good diet and regular exercise – so what’s stopping us? The disease rate in Tasmania is going up and up, so this is a critical question,” Mr Cameron said.
“The outcome of the think tank will inform our own chronic disease strategy, to identify how private health insurers can better support health and advocacy organisations’ work, and where we can step up to fill gaps in services and models of care to make a difference for Tasmanians living with life-altering conditions.”
Think tank participants included world-renowned sports and nutrition advocate Dr Peter Brukner and former Tasmanian Premier the Honourable Peter Gutwein. Mr Gutwein said he was living proof of how lifestyle changes, particularly in terms of diet and movement, could change your life for the better.
“Whilst not pre-diabetic, two years ago I was 15 kilos overweight, not very active and paid scant attention to my personal wellbeing. I realised at age 57 two thirds of my life was nearly over and I decided I wanted my last 30 years to be my best 30 years,” Mr Gutwein said.
“I didn’t go on a diet, but I did change my diet to less carbohydrates and more protein and began a daily gym and walking plan. While not as busy as when I was Premier, I do work fulltime, so I allocate just an hour each day for me and the results have been amazing. I have never been healthier, and my overall personal wellbeing is simply brilliant.”
Diabetes Australia’s General Manager Tasmania, Minke Hoekstra, said it was critical for experts, stakeholders and advocates to work together.
“We’re sharing our experiences and understanding of the main challenges in preventing, detecting and helping people to live healthily with type 2 diabetes in Tasmania,” Ms Hoekstra said.
“Diabetes is the leading cause of many debilitating and costly complications including vision loss, amputation, kidney failure and heart disease. Helping Tasmanians to prevent type 2 diabetes is the only thing that will protect future generations from the painful and costly impact of living with the condition, both on individuals and the health system.”
St Lukes is also encouraging the community to have their say on the issue, with interactive question boards on display at its Launceston and Hobart wellness hubs, as well as a digital survey.
About diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn’t effectively use the insulin it produces, often resulting in high blood glucose levels. It typically develops over many years and usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years. According to Diabetes Australia, it is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents, and young adults.
Although the condition has strong genetic and family-related risk factors, 58 per cent of people can prevent or delay the condition through healthy eating and an active lifestyle. Evidence shows around half of all people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission through intensive dietary changes and weight loss.
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Investment in prevention the missing link in tackling Tasmania’s healthcare crisis
A federal election will soon be upon us, and it is crucial we see big-picture commitments from our political leaders that will make a positive difference to the health of our community. Tasmania may have ‘must win seats’ for both parties, but we don’t want our state to become a political football – especially when it comes to health.
Historic and ongoing underinvestment in preventative health has left Australia’s public healthcare system in crisis, and Tasmania’s situation is among the worst in the country.
The numbers speak for themselves. Preventative health spending accounts for a mere fraction of the state’s overall health budget – the same can be said at national level – while the number of avoidable hospitalisations continues to rise. This must change.
Tasmania also sits above the national average of avoidable hospitalisations, due in part to a lack of access to GP services. [1] No surprise there. The recently released Cleanbill 2025 Blue Report highlights the struggle many Tasmanians face in accessing affordable primary care. Bulk billing has all but disappeared for non-concession patients, leaving people with average out-of-pocket costs for a GP visit of $54 — the highest in the country. As a result, many Tasmanians are choosing to forgo medical visits altogether.
Without proper access to primary care, more people are turning to emergency departments for treatment of non-life-threatening conditions. These added pressures exacerbate wait times, overwhelm healthcare workers, and strain the system – often to breaking point. This is a vicious cycle caused and fuelled by continuing neglect of basic preventative health measures.
While the situation in Tasmania is disheartening, it is not beyond resolution, but there needs to be a major pivot in attitude and approach. There must be a long-term, big picture preventative health strategy developed and implemented. In the absence of such a shift in priority, the situation will only get worse.
Governments at all levels have a critical role to play, however, the problem cannot be left to politicians and policy makers alone. We ourselves must turn our mindset from getting well to keeping well. As a society, we must empower individuals to take charge of their own health and wellbeing. This means fostering an environment where everyone can access the resources they need to stay healthy, from affordable healthcare options to health education initiatives.
For our part, St Lukes has created welcoming wellness hubs in Hobart and Launceston that offer accessible services and events aimed at increasing health awareness and access.
And the community response has been overwhelming, demonstrating a clear demand, with our Hobart wellness hub attracting more than 6,600 participants to a diversity of health activities in its first year, while Launceston is now projected to attract 20,000 participants in its first year.
We intend to take this successful model to the North-West of the state, and in the lead up to the federal election, we are asking the major parties to commit to fund the build and fit-out of a North-West wellness hub, which would be open to the public and operated independently by St Lukes.
In addition, we are also seeking federal government funding to help us deliver a critical pilot program in Tasmania’s North-West, providing home-based acute care to patients who would normally be admitted to hospital.
The consumer-led program would empower GPs to manage their acutely unwell patients in the community, through a collaborative, multidisciplinary model of care – one that sits outside of a traditional hospital setting.
If successful, the pilot will create a blueprint for statewide and even national rollout.
As a Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer with a vision to make our state the healthiest island on the planet, St Lukes knows we have a key role to play in empowering our members and the community to take control of their own health and wellbeing. But we cannot do it alone. It is time for government to step up and make meaningful investments in primary care and preventative health.
It is not enough to keep increasing the number of hospital beds and healthcare workers, as important as those efforts may be. We must tackle the root causes of the crisis and prioritise prevention. After all, the fight for better health outcomes — much like any battle — isn’t won by just strengthening the frontlines. It’s about eliminating the cause of the crisis in the first place.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of St Lukes.
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) August 2024.
New practices making preventative dental accessible for more Tasmanians
An innovative model of dental care – featuring a mix of skills and leveraging government affordability schemes – is key to improving the state’s dental healthcare and reducing preventable hospital admissions, according to Tasmanian health insurer St Lukes.
Tasmania faces some of the nation’s biggest oral health challenges: with fewer dentists per capita than the mainland1 and fees for private dental often prohibitive, adult Tasmanians are missing the most teeth of any state2 and are waiting almost four years3 for non-urgent public dental care.
Not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes identified an urgent need to make preventative dental the norm and turn around these outcomes. As part of its vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, St Lukes has branched into dental care, with practices now open in Launceston and Howrah.
Denise Shukri’s family, including seven-year-old son Ryan, attends the Howrah St Lukes Dental clinic. The family members see a dentist or oral health therapist as needed for their six-monthly checkups.
“We have always prioritised dental in our family budget, especially for Ryan to have a good start in life,” she said. “He eats, he talks, he smiles – it was important to us to invest in making sure he has no complications in the future.”
The St Lukes Dental practices are also treating urgent public patients under the state government’s emergency dental voucher system, as well as kids who are eligible under the federal Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS).
“I think there’s a huge need in the health system to educate and inform people of how important it is to take care of your teeth, and how,” Ms Shukri said. “That’s being implemented in schools, which is amazing. But it’s also hard for parents to navigate, for example, if they’re eligible for the CDBS under Medicare. There’s a role for dental clinics in helping demystify that for families.”
In Tasmania, dental conditions alone account for 12.5 per cent of avoidable hospital admissions4. By offering a skill mix of dentists, oral health therapists and hygienists, Chief Health Officer Luke Cameron said St Lukes’ model addressed the state’s shortage of dentists and was a win-win for patients and the health system.
“It’s not essential to get your regular scale and clean from a dentist. Dental therapists and hygienist can perform a clean and scale, monitor any tooth concerns and refer you onto a dentist if needed,” Mr Cameron said.
“Treating more CBDS patients in private clinics and getting more dentists into the emergency dental voucher scheme will also have a significant impact to reduce the public dental patient load and improve oral health outcomes for all Tasmanians.”
As well as opening its own dental practices, the St Lukes Dental Network is now live, bringing together dental partners to establish a statewide gap-free provider network. St Lukes has also released a dental-only extras package, which makes getting a checkup more affordable for Tasmanians who may not have had extras cover before.
“It particularly helps young adults access preventative services, keeping them off public waitlists for major dental intervention as they get older,” Mr Cameron said. “The goal of our practices, St Lukes Dental Network and standalone dental product is to make preventative dental accessible to all, driving generational improvement for Tasmanians’ oral health.”
Ms Shukri agreed that’s hugely important for the household budget.
“We have private dental cover, but we were always quite a lot out of pocket previously. So going into an appointment knowing there will be no gap is awesome.”
1 Oral health and dental care in Australia, Dental workforce - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
2 Access to Oral Health Services - Full Report
3 Access to Oral Health Services - Full Report
4 Australian Dental Association, Tasmanian Branch
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Massimo Mele inspires Tasmanians to cook for better health
Celebrity chef Massimo Mele has inspired Tasmanians to get creative with the island’s produce and level-up their healthy home cooking at a delicious demo ahead of the Taste of Summer festival.
St Lukes hosted the free demonstration and Q&A at its Hobart wellness hub as an appetizer for this year’s Taste event – a festival which celebrates the best of Tasmania’s culinary culture and extraordinary produce.
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said empowering people to create delicious and nutritious meals goes a long way in fulfilling their vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
“Our wellness hubs were designed with one goal in mind – to make every Tasmanian’s health journey a little easier,” he said.
“One of the things the community has asked for in this space is nutritional advice and help with healthy eating.
“There’s no one more inspiring to learn that skill from than chef Massimo Mele, who’s so passionate about creating delicious food made from Tasmania’s exceptional fresh produce.”
Born in Tasmania and raised in Naples, Mele grew up with food and cooking at the centre of the home. Now settled back in Tasmania, the Culinary Director of Peppina and Grain of the Silos, TV chef and no-waste ambassador is a big believer that nourishment starts in our own kitchens.
“By teaching simple ways to prioritise fresh, local ingredients at home, it’s my goal to inspire Tasmanians to create food that is not only delicious and enjoyable, but also has a big impact on their health and wellbeing,” Mele said.
Mele also spoke to participants about commonly wasted foods, providing tips on how to eat seasonally and make fresh produce go as far as possible.
“As we head into summer, there is amazing produce coming into season such as apricots and cherries, Swiss chard and tomatoes,” he said.
“Food that is in season tastes better, it’s more nutrient-dense and it’s also at its best price.”
St Lukes hosts a range of informative nutrition sessions out of its wellness hubs in Hobart and Launceston throughout the year, giving Tasmanians the chance to learn from experts and gain practical insights and skills.
“We believe the key to achieving a healthier Tasmania lies in prevention—and that starts with the simple, everyday choices we make, like what we put on our plates,” Mr Lupo said.
St Lukes is partnering with Tasmania’s Taste of Summer festival for the second year running, with a focus on creating a healthy festival environment that’s smoke-free, family friendly, and encourages nutrition and connection.
Contact: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 773 | jacquie@timminsray.com.au
Sensory packs to level the playing field for JackJumpers fans
Basketball fans with sensory challenges are in for a gamechanger, with not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes and the Tasmania JackJumpers teaming up to provide sensory packs at home games.
Many Tasmanians are affected by sensory overwhelm that can make it hard for them to enjoy loud, crowded events.
The sensory packs include a weighted blanket, noise cancelling headphones, a fidget spinner, sunglasses and ear plugs, and will be free to borrow for the duration of the game.
St Lukes Events and Partnership Manager Nikki Long said the organisation had worked with an occupational therapist to create the bundles, which will be available at MyState Bank Arena to anyone who needs one.
“As part of our Diversity and Inclusion partnership with the Tasmania JackJumpers, we’re proud to be providing these sensory packs to help more people comfortably watch home games,” she said.
“We know the game-day atmosphere can be overwhelming. Those with sensory challenges shouldn’t have to miss out on the excitement and the community connection that comes from supporting their beloved JackJumpers and feeling part of the team.”
It is the first step towards a more inclusive game-day experience, with St Lukes also working with the Tasmania JackJumpers to develop a custom quiet space at MyState Bank Arena for those who might need some time out.
“We’ve taken inspiration from mainland venues who are doing this really well and are proud to be bringing this initiative to JackJumper’s games,” Ms Long said.
“We hope other sporting codes and organisations can adopt similar practices to create more inclusive environments all over Tasmania. Lifting everyone’s participation, connection and wellbeing supports St Lukes’ vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet,” she said.
JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan said the initiative was a testament to what can be achieved when like-minded organisations come together with a shared vision.
“Partnering with St Lukes to provide sensory packs ensures that more fans can enjoy the unique atmosphere of JackJumpers games,” Ms Finnegan said.
“Together, we’re taking important steps to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.”
Packs will be available from the MyState Bank Arena info desk, starting from the December 5 home game. ID is required to borrow a pack, to be returned at the end of the game. They will be available for adults and children, and a St Lukes membership or a medical diagnosis is not required.
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Contact: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 773 | jacquie@timminsray.com.au
Launceston welcomes one of Australia’s most sustainable buildings
One of Australia’s most innovative and sustainable buildings was officially opened today, celebrating a public-private partnership success story and a major investment in the north of the state.
Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes has completed its new Launceston building, welcoming six tenants who will share the state-of-the-art building, signalling business growth in northern Tasmania.
The state government contributed $1 million towards the $33-million project, demonstrating both public and private sector confidence in the state’s north.
St Lukes CEO, Paul Lupo, said the transformative space aimed to restore vibrancy and foster a sense community connection, helping to revitalise Launceston into a thriving, dynamic and inclusive place for everyone.
“We want to draw people back into Launceston city to support our local businesses, instilling commercial confidence, stimulating our economy and generating local jobs,” Mr Lupo said.
The seven-storey building features a ground floor café, playground and wellness hub, all open to the public, as well as being home to St Lukes’ customer care centre, dental practice and head office, bringing together its Launceston workforce previously dispersed across four different locations.
Mr Lupo said the building represented so much more than its physical presence, standing as a tangible example of what could be achieved by working together in Tasmania.
“There is no better demonstration of our ability to collaborate than this very space, which has brought together Tasmanian architects, builders, manufacturers, craftspeople and designers to create this spectacular new addition to the Launceston skyline,” he said.
“The building is made predominantly of Tasmanian timber, a natural, renewable and recyclable material, also reducing the building’s carbon footprint by up to 40 per cent in comparison to a regular building site.
“It aims to sequester 7,665 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere – the equivalent emissions of 2,141 cars driving 20,000km per year – a 60 per cent lower carbon footprint than the equivalent traditional build.
“A full lifecycle plan means the building can in time be deconstructed, re-engineered and re-used, making it a net zero project.”
St Lukes is sharing the building with a suite of blue-chip Tasmanian and international businesses including Allianz, Salveo, Newton & Henry, ReadyTech, Sweetbrew and now Bank of us, who will be moving its corporate office.
Bank of us CEO, Paul Ranson, said he was thrilled at the opportunity presented by the new St Lukes building.
“Like St Lukes, Bank of us is a customer-owned organisation which is committed to positive impact for the good of all Tasmanians,” Mr Ranson said.
“Bank of us has achieved significant growth in recent years, throughout which, we’ve remained committed to staying truly Tasmanian.
“We are supporting projected further growth with the creation of 20 additional roles which will allow us to maintain outstanding customer experience, but it means we’ve outgrown our corporate Launceston offices.
“Bank of us customers won’t see any change – our dedicated retail store team and lending specialists will continue to operate out of the current Brisbane Street store.
“We’re thrilled by the opportunity to co-locate with a like-minded organisation like St Lukes.”
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For more information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
Donations urgently needed to help relieve the Christmas cost crunch
St Lukes contributes $10,000 to Launceston City Mission appeal
As demand soars for support services, two Tasmanian organisations are calling on the community to help spread some Christmas cheer for those most in need.
Launceston City Mission and not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes are joining forces on a Christmas donation drive, with a 10-foot tree installed at the Launceston wellness hub.
Members of the community are encouraged to leave an unwrapped new toy under the tree from now until the end-of-business on Thursday 5th December. Toys, non-perishable food and financial donations can also be given directly at City Mission’s Launceston office until 5pm that day.
Launceston City Mission CEO Jo Fearman said with one in six children living below the poverty line, too many families were being forced to decide between buying food or paying bills – let alone gifts.
“When disposable income is inadequate, households are forced into a terrible choice to prioritise one essential over another – fuel or rent, rent or power, power or health care,” Ms Fearman said.
“At this time of year, thinking about Christmas gifts for children is difficult because it could mean other essential bills won’t get paid.
“If we can help provide gifts for children, through the wonderful support of St Lukes, it helps take the pressure off families who are doing it tough.”
In 2023-24 City Mission Launceston has provided more than 21,000 meals to members of the community in need, impacted more than 10,000 lives across Northern Tasmania and provided more than 14,600 safe sleeps for those sleeping rough.
Recognising this impact and the power of community connection, CEO Paul Lupo said St Lukes was delighted to support City Mission’s Christmas donation drive with a gift of its own – a $10,000 donation to the appeal.
“Every child deserves to wake up on Christmas Day with a present of their own, but we know many Tasmanian families will be doing it tough this time of year. That’s why we are encouraging the community to rally behind those most in need, and to give what they can,” Mr Lupo said.
“Our wellness hub is designed to bring people together, and we are very happy to provide an easy-to-access central location for people to drop in with their gifts.
“Giving also builds social connectedness and improves everyone’s mental health, which aligns with our vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
All donations of new toys are welcomed. For those aged 10 to 16 years (who can be harder to buy gifts for), gift vouchers are recommended.
Donation points
What: Unwrapped new toys
Where: St Lukes Launceston (93 Cimitiere Street)
When: Until 5pm Thursday 5th December
Where: Launceston City Mission, 48 Frederick Street
What: Non-perishable food items, unwrapped new toys
When: Until 5pm Thursday 5th December
St Lukes welcomes lower house passing of vaping bill
St Lukes welcomes today’s lower house passing of the State Government’s bill to restrict the availability of vapes and vaping products in Tasmania.
As a not-for-profit private health insurer, St Lukes strongly believes this legislation demonstrates a genuine commitment from our Parliament to enshrine long-term health benefits for the Tasmanian community.
The damaging medley of harmful effects vaping products are having on our kids is well documented.
This includes their impact on brain development and mental health, causing increased rates of depression and anxiety, as well as preying on young people who are more susceptible to developing addictive behaviours.
This is a blatant and shameless exploitation of some of our most vulnerable young people by big tobacco.
With this bill, our elected representatives have the opportunity to put preventative health first and help the community avoid another pathway to addiction, as well as negative health impacts and chronic disease.
As such, we are now urging the Upper House to put the health of Tasmanians first when they consider this legislation, and to vote accordingly.
New evidence backs call to fund world-leading Tasmanian health literacy program in primary schools
With more than 60 per cent of Tasmanians facing significant challenges with health literacy, the team behind the globally acclaimed HealthLit4kids program has launched new evidence strengthening calls to fund the initiative in primary schools statewide.
Health literacy – how we find, understand and use health and wellbeing information and services – remains a major challenge for Tasmanians. Improving health literacy from childhood will be key to progressing the state government’s newly released 20-Year Preventative Health Strategy.
Dr Rosie Nash, founding CEO of HealthLit4Everyone, is launching a new book today titled Global Perspective on Children’s Health and Literacy. Four years in the making, editors Dr Nash, Associate Professor Shandell Elmer and Dr Vaughan Cruickshank present insights from 61 health literacy experts across 17 countries, to highlight the key crossover between health, education and the community sectors in improving health literacy.
Dr Nash said the international research contained in the book backs HealthLit4Everyone’s submission to the 2025-26 Tasmanian budget, calling for funding to roll out HealthLit4Kids in primary schools statewide over the next three years. The program has been piloted in selected schools, with proven results in building the health literacy of staff, students and the wider school community.
“It’s not often as researchers we can say that we have a silver bullet, but through HealthLit4Kids and this new book we provide tangible solutions to some of the key focus areas of the government’s 20-year preventative health strategy,” Dr Nash said.
“When we started engaging with stakeholders to improve health literacy outcomes in Tasmania nine years ago, we kept getting passed around. People working in education would tell us it was a health issue, those in health would pass us onto the community sector. But a siloed approach doesn’t work.
“This book is the evidence and includes the practical recommendations needed by our leaders, our policy makers, our teachers, our health workers and our community to create intergenerational change.”
Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes has long advocated for a statewide rollout of HealthLit4Kids. CEO Paul Lupo says there’s overwhelming evidence that it improves students’ understanding of good health and healthy decisions.
“Starting young to improve the health literacy of every Tasmanian child is an absolute no-brainer. It will have an intergenerational impact on how we stay well and avoid ending up in hospital with preventable chronic conditions,” Mr Lupo said.
“Here, we have an internationally sought-after child health literacy program, developed right here in Tasmania: it’s baffling that the program is not already embedded in every school, given its proven efficacy and alignment with the government’s own 20-Year Preventative Health Strategy.
“Funding a cross-sectoral approach will be key to overcoming Tasmania’s challenges around health literacy, educational attainment, lifelong health outcomes and ultimately our state’s productivity – as well as St Lukes’ own vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
St Lukes is also working with HealthLit4Everyone to develop HealthLit4Corporates, to improve the health literacy awareness of its own workforce. Following the pilot, the program would then be rolled out to other businesses.
Global Perspective on Children’s Health and Literacy will be launched in Hobart on November 18 with the support of HealthLit4Everyone, the University of Tasmania, St Lukes and the Winston Churchill Trust.
About HealthLit4Everyone
Healthlit4Everyone is a social enterprise which has grown out of research at the University of Tasmania, specifically research that led to the development of an evidence-based and co-designed professional development program for teachers in schools, HealthLit4Kids. The evaluation of the program is shared in 16 academic papers and is included in 3 World Health Organization Reports as an exemplar for preventative health strategies.
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Contact: Emily Woodgate, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0412 828 802 | emily@timminsray.com.au
A healthier state needs a shift in mindset
Tasmania needs a serious refocus and injection of preventative health funding if we are to reform our health system.
A critical discussion paper on the future of Tasmania’s preventative health approach was released for community input last month, but you’d be easily forgiven for missing it.
The government’s media release announcing consultation on its 20-Year Preventative Health Strategy went largely unnoticed. I can’t help but wonder what this says about the public discourse surrounding health in our state and our insatiable appetite for more funding that doesn’t address the underlying root cause of the problem.
Right now, as a community we have an opportunity to move beyond the habitual blame game in public health and instead play a pivotal role in shaping a healthier future for ourselves. A future that seeks to place much greater emphasis and resourcing into preventative health, to address the avoidable suffering facing a significant proportion of our population. By doing this, we will ease the pressure currently felt in our overloaded health system by keeping people out of hospital and well for longer.
St Lukes has a vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet. This will require refocused investment in tools and assets for the community that provide the means for Tasmanians to make lifestyle decisions that are beneficial to their health, allowing many of our current challenges to be avoided.
The invitation by Government to all Tasmanians to express their views on initiatives and innovations that would help create a healthier community has real potential. However, it requires us to shift our focus from a system that funds sickness and is judged on how quickly it reacts – while never fixing the problem – to a proactive system that looks to address root causes to community health challenges, empowering individuals to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
Consider for a moment some statistics from the preventative health discussion paper:
· Nearly one in seven Tasmanians (15 per cent) smoke – the highest in the nation.
· One in five Tasmanians spend eight or more hours sitting per weekday.
· More than one third of Tasmanians’ daily kilojoule intake comes from foods high in sugar, fat and salt.
· Only one in 20 of us (only six per cent) eat enough vegetables.
The government’s vision and community call to action is commendable. But unless this preventative health strategy is properly funded and embraced by the community, it will inevitably end up as just another white paper – all while the health of our community continues to deteriorate.
Our health system shouldn’t demand a budget that is 32 per cent (and growing) of the entire state budget, because it is not addressing the problem. If we can get the balance right and invest now in preventative health measures, we will create a more effective and equitable system for the future.
St Lukes has been a very strong advocate for rebalancing our health dollar spend into preventative health. We’ve acted to significantly increase our investment in innovative health programs to support our members and the wider Tasmanian community in the critical areas of prevention, early detection and intervention, albeit there’s still considerably more to be done.
I urge every Tasmanian to consider the role we can all play in the future health of our state, both individually and collectively, and seize the opportunity to have a say on the government’s 20-Year Preventative Health Strategy discussion paper, as we’re all in this together.
The Tasmanian Government’s 20 Year Preventative Health Strategy and information on how to make a submission can be found here.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes.
St Lukes Symphony on the Waterfront Returns to Devonport for 2025
Devonport is set to come alive with the return of the prestigious St Lukes Symphony on the Waterfront, featuring the celebrated Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO). Scheduled for February 8, 2025, this event follows the overwhelming success of the 2023 performance and promises another unforgettable evening of world-class music in one of Tasmania’s most scenic waterfront settings.
Mayor Alison Jarman expressed her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its importance to the community and its role in showcasing Devonport's vibrant culture.
“We are absolutely thrilled to host the St Lukes Symphony on the Waterfront once again,” she said. “This event is a flagship cultural experience for Devonport, drawing visitors from across Tasmania and beyond. It not only highlights our award-winning Haines Park but also reflects our commitment to providing enriching and accessible cultural opportunities for our community.”
The free event, which will take place in Devonport’s Waterfront precinct, is expected to attract 5,000 attendees. The concert offers a rare opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy a world-class symphony performance in an outdoor setting, celebrating the region’s natural beauty and cultural vitality.
Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes is the principal sponsor of the event. Head of Customer Service Kate Denmen welcomed the opportunity to help bring the event to the community.
“We’ve had such a great response to TSO concerts hosted in our wellness hubs, so we’re thrilled to help bring this symphony to the Devonport waterfront,” she said.
“Music is so beneficial in the way it lifts our wellbeing and brings us together for moments of community connectedness – both of which are key to our vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
Caroline Sharpen, CEO of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra said the orchestra was excited to return to Devonport, adding that the 2023 event created unforgettable experiences for both the musicians and the audience.
“We are so pleased to be returning to Devonport in February for Symphony on the Waterfront. Last year’s event was such a highlight for us - and how marvellous for it to have been named Community Event of the year at Devonport’s Australia Day Awards,” Ms Sharpen said.
Although it’s a free concert, attendees will need to book online via the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra website. Tickets will become available in January 2025. Sign up to be notified when tickets become available by visiting the concerts page on www.tso.com.au
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Media contact: Anna Halipilias | Communication and Engagement Officer | Devonport City Council 03 6424 0562 | ahalipilias@devonport.tas.gov.au
Vaping bill will mark a pivotal moment in our state’s public health history
The Tasmanian government’s Public Health Amendment (Vaping) Bill 2024, tabled in September, is a nation-leading initiative that marks a pivotal moment in our state’s public health history.
The legislation, designed to curb the rising tide of youth vaping, is not only a testament to the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of future generations, it also represents a proactive step towards a more preventative health system.
The draft bill, set to be debated later this year, proposes to ban the sale of vape products for people under 18 years, as well as ensuring vapes can only be supplied by pharmacies to people 18 years or over with a prescription.
The immeasurable health benefits to our children, coupled with significant long-term cost savings in the healthcare system, underscores the far-reaching impact of these regulations.
The damaging medley of harmful effects vaping products are having on our kids has been well documented in recent times.
This includes their impact on brain development and mental health, causing increased rates of depression and anxiety, as well as preying on young people who are more susceptible to developing addictive behaviours.
This is a blatant and shameless exploitation of some of our most vulnerable young people by big tobacco.
We know from recent studies, for example, that teenagers experiencing low mental wellbeing are 100 per cent more likely to vape, and those with high stress are nearly 74 per cent more likely.[1]
Once hooked, we also know that young people who vape are five times more likely to take up smoking, and the younger a person is when they start vaping, the higher their risk of smoking becomes.[2]
By limiting access to these harmful products, especially to young people, Tasmania is setting a powerful precedent for other states to follow, ensuring the wellbeing of our community remains a top priority.
And we’re already seeing other states now following suit, with the WA government announcing it will bypass federal laws in order to stamp out vaping without a script.
Of course, we understand through our engagement with the community, and health and community sector leaders across the state, that any measures to protect our kids must incorporate adequate support to those who are already addicted to vapes.
Having recently attended an industry roundtable on the draft bill, St Lukes knows there will be a range of support mechanisms in place, in addition to existing services, to help young Tasmanians through the transition.
These are critical issues that will need to be explored as the legislation is debated, but let’s not lose sight of the end game, which is ultimately to prevent future generations from accessing vapes in the first place.
This is a visionary first step towards creating a proactive preventative health system.
St Lukes is actively engaging with Tasmanian members of Parliament to ensure they keep politics out of health and support this critical legislation, putting our children’s futures ahead of the interests of big tobacco companies.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes.
[1] The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use paper, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 3 Sep 2024.
[2] The association between vaping and subsequent initiation of cigarette smoking in young Australians from age 12 to 17 years, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 10 Sep 2024.
St Lukes sign on as major sponsor to the 2024 St.Giles Burn
Preparations are ramping up for this year’s St.Giles Burn, with a new course confirmed and Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes back on board as a major sponsor.
The 400-metre sprint is on the move, with the 2024 event taking place up Elizabeth and Arthur Streets, culminating in a new finish line precinct at St. Georges Square.
“With a combined 150 years of service to the Tasmanian community between our two organisations, we think having St Lukes on board for the St.Giles Burn is a perfect fit,” said event manager Scott Gelston.
“I think I can speak for both organisations when I say we’re very excited about moving the course and the new finish line precinct at St. Georges Square where families and competitors will be able to relax after their run.”
This year’s event is the 10th anniversary of the original Balfour Burn, and planning for the move to the new location has been ongoing for the past 12 months.
St Lukes Chief Marketing Officer Ben Davis agreed the new course would be a huge draw card for new and returning competitors, and an opportunity to bring the community together for a good cause.
“We love this initiative, because it encourages people to get active and challenge themselves, while coming together to support St.Giles’ incredibly important work,” said Mr Davis.
“We host a range of activities in our wellness hubs that inspire nutrition, movement, and community connection – concepts which play a huge role in our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet. The St.Giles Burn takes this concept out into the community.
“We think it’s so important to see like-minded organisations working together towards better health and wellbeing outcomes for our state.”
Tickets for the 2024 event are now available via TryBooking. St Lukes members can keep an eye on their email for an exclusive discount entry code.
2024 St.Giles Burn details
When: 1pm, Sunday October 20th, 2024
Where: Elizabeth and Arthur Streets Launceston
What’s new: New course, finish line precinct with food + beverages + children’s activities.
A vibrant CBD will create a healthier community
In the heart of Launceston, a transformative space has emerged to revolutionise health and wellbeing for northern Tasmanians. But importantly, it also aims to revitalise our beloved CBD and restore a deep sense of community connection.
Like many regional centres across the country, Launceston has faced significant challenges in recent years. The pandemic prompted a new era of flexible working arrangements which saw less office workers moving through our cities, and the increasing popularity of online shopping has seen a decline in retail trade.[1]
Add to this commercial rent hikes and the rising costs of living, and it’s easy to understand why some commentators have heralded the potential ‘end of the CBD’.[2]
However, Tasmania’s collective capacity to come together with a shared sense of purpose and pride is our superpower, enabling us to do things differently to other states.
It was our confidence in this superpower that allowed St Lukes to set our ambitious vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
And it is the same confidence and commitment to the Tasmanian community that has driven our investment in Launceston’s revitalisation, designing and developing one of Australia’s most sustainable buildings.
While community health and wellbeing is at the core of our new Launceston home, the building represents so much more than that.
We want to draw people back into the CBD to support our local businesses. This will in turn create vibrancy, foster community connection and help transform Launceston into a thriving and dynamic place for everyone.
Working with other Tasmanian organisations, we’ve already locked in a broad variety of programs, including lunchtime concerts, a run club and yoga. The space also offers our health navigation service, dental clinic, a Sweetbrew café and children’s playground.
We hope the community will be enticed by all the social and health benefits our wellness hub has to offer. A space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, nurturing social cohesion and community spirit.
Launceston deserves a central hub that reflects its potential and aspirations. Investing in the CBD is a crucial step toward achieving that vision and we encourage other organisations to consider what they can do to make our city more vibrant.
[1] ABS data from 2020 revealed a third of people preferred online shopping than before the pandemic, and Australia Post research from the same year showed online retail in Australia had grown 45 per cent year-on-year.
St Lukes takes out best value hospital cover two years in a row
For a second year running, St Lukes has taken out the Canstar 2024 Outstanding Value Award – Tasmania for its hospital cover, highlighting the not-for-profit’s genuine commitment and care for its members.
Chief Executive Officer Paul Lupo said receiving the highly coveted award for a second time demonstrated St Lukes’ dedication to providing Tasmanians with exceptional value and service.
“As an integral member of the Tasmanian community, our dedication to offering affordable and top-tier health insurance has earned us the trust of more than 80,000 Tasmanians,” Mr Lupo said.
“St Lukes is a not-for-profit, which sets us apart from our competitors, as we truly put our members’ needs first and invest back into the community where we can.
“Our wellness hubs in Launceston and Hobart are just two examples of this investment, offering a range of preventative programs and services that promote connection, nutrition, and movement.
“Winning the state award from Australia’s largest financial comparison site for a second time reinforces our drive to consistently offer the best health insurance and to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
Canstar’s Health Insurance Awards recognise providers offering outstanding value to Australians, based on the organisation’s Star Ratings system. The ratings are designed to simplify the health insurance search, offering a shortlist of products that have been expertly assessed and ranked.
Canstar assesses hospital-only, extras-only, and combined hospital and extras and take into account factors like life stage, family structure, and level of coverage. In 2024, they evaluated over 30 health insurance providers.
The judges commended St Lukes for standing out once again for offering hospital policies with exceptional value in Tasmania. Canstar said St Lukes’ demonstrated strong performance across various life stages, including young, established and mature age profiles, providing competitive policies for each, which enables consumers to find the right balance of cost and coverage to suit their needs.
Additionally, St Lukes’ Gold and Planner Silver Plus policies are among the most competitive options in Tasmania for singles and families seeking pregnancy cover.
For more information about St Lukes and its award-winning hospital cover, click here.
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For further information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
Tasmanian Government’s tough stance on vaping welcomed
Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes is thrilled to see the State Government taking the national lead to better protect our future generations against the scourge of vaping, announcing reforms to significantly reduce the use and uptake of vapes, particularly among young people.
CEO Paul Lupo said St Lukes had been advocating tirelessly on behalf of the Tasmanian community for a tougher stance on vaping at a state level, after the federal anti-vaping legislation was significantly watered down.
“The community have made their views on the inherent harms of vaping clear, and we have been proud to advocate on their behalf to ensure our children are protected from highly addictive vapes, as we continue our work to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet,” Mr Lupo said.
“We commend the Health Minister for doing what’s right for the community, and we look forward to seeing the detail of the State Government’s draft legislation and better understanding how it will work.
“This will include identifying what role the Federal Government could play to further strengthen this model and keep vapes off the black-market.
“We call on all Tasmanian parties to keep politics out of health and support this legislation, to ensure our children’s futures are put ahead of the interests of big tobacco companies.
“Through our advocacy, we have spoken to numerous health and community sector leaders who have emphasised the diversity of harms vaping products are having on our kids, including their impact on mental health, including increased rates of depression and anxiety.
“We know young people experiencing high levels of psychological distress are four times more likely to use vapes and big tobacco’s shameless exploitation of some of our most vulnerable young people is a disgrace.
“This is a big win for the Tasmanian community and a proud moment for our state.”
The proposed legislation will:
- ban the sale of vape products for children and young people under 18 years, with or without a prescription; and
- ensure e-cigarettes can only be supplied by pharmacies to people 18 years or over with a prescription.
Additional resources, including a guide to support young people to quite E-cigarettes, can be found here. Guide to Supporting Young People Quit E-cigarettes | Tasmanian Department of Health
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Tasmania JackJumpers and St Lukes Forge a Powerful Partnership to Promote Health, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Tasmania JackJumpers are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes. The two-season collaboration, running until the end of the 2025/26 season, positions St Lukes as a key Community Partner and Diversity & Inclusion Partner of the JackJumpers.
At the heart of the partnership is the launch of a new podcast, Vitamins, brought to you by St Lukes. Led by JackJumpers fan favourite, Fabijan Krslovic, this podcast will explore themes of health, resilience, and overcoming adversity, as well as some intriguing and fun storytelling segments.
The podcast will feature a minimum of eight episodes per season, each delving into important topics such as stress management, mindfulness, and the importance of community connections with guests from the JackJumpers as well as high performing individuals from the broader sport, health, wellness and business community and beyond.
The name Vitamins is inspired by not just the traditional definition of the word, with nutrition key to health, growth and development, but also the individually prescribed ‘Daily Vitamins’ workouts JackJumpers players do each day as part of the championship-winning High-Performance program.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome St Lukes into the JackJumpers family," said Christine Finnegan, CEO of the Tasmania JackJumpers.
"Their commitment to promoting health and wellbeing aligns perfectly with our values, and this partnership will allow us to make a real difference in the community."
In addition to the podcast, the JackJumpers and St Lukes will work together to design and implement a comprehensive diversity and inclusion program. This will include the creation of sensory areas on game days, sensory packs for distribution at home games, and various community initiatives aimed at engaging all groups within our community as equals.
“The JackJumpers have done such an incredible job of bringing Tasmanians together, uniting us around sport, wellness and connection,” said Paul Lupo, CEO of St Lukes.
“Our partnership will help even more people get involved by making game days more inclusive and engaging deeper into the community, as well as reaching new audiences with motivating messages through the Vitamins podcast and events at our wellness hubs.
“Through like-minded organisations working together, we can achieve St Lukes’ vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
As part of the partnership, JackJumpers representatives will deliver leadership talks at the St Lukes’ wellness hubs in Hobart and Launceston, inspiring Tasmanians to lead healthier, more resilient lives.
Stay tuned for the official launch of Vitamins, brought to you by St Lukes—your regular dose of the JackJumpers, connecting Tasmanians through sport and wellbeing, and helping St Lukes to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
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New dental practice with unique skillset bridges a gap for northern Tasmanians
Not-for-profit Tasmanian private health insurer St Lukes has opened its first dental practice, aiming to fill a gap in the market and provide more Tasmanians with affordable and accessible oral health services.
The practice, located in St Lukes’ new state-of-the art Launceston wellness hub at 93 Cimitiere Street, features dentists, oral health therapists and hygienists.
Chief Health Officer Luke Cameron said having the three roles in one place, practicing independently with their own provider numbers, would help improve access.
“This unique mix of skillsets allows us to offer a broader range of services to Tasmanian families, helping them get the right level of dental care at the right price,” he said.
“The intent is to empower people to choose the treatment they need, whether that’s a full dental check-up, or a regular clean.
“Our dentists will provide general and major dental care, both preventative and emergency. Oral health therapists will support both children and adults, and our hygienists are experts in cleaning, oral health advice and gum treatment. They’ll all be supported by a team of dental assistants.
“This skill mix is important, because Tasmania has almost 25 per cent fewer dentists per capita than the national average. If we can direct patients to the right oral health professional, it spreads the workload and frees up dentists to see more people with acute needs.”
The family-friendly dental practice is open to the whole community, to help more people get preventative or early intervention oral health care and improve the next generation’s oral health.
The St Lukes dental team said Dental Health Week (August 5-9) is great reminder to practice good oral health habits, with the following tips to take care of your teeth:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums, and brush gently in small circles or a back-and-forth motion. Finish by spitting out the toothpaste, but don’t rinse your mouth.
- If using mouthwash, swish before brushing.
- Floss or use an interdental brush daily.
- Motivate kids to brush for two minutes by using a fun song or toothbrushing app.
- Choose healthy foods and limit sugar, especially in juice and energy / sports / soft drinks.
- Quit smoking or vaping.
- Visit a dental practice regularly for a check-up and clean.
Throughout the week St Lukes is offering free toothbrushes at its customer care centres statewide. The organisation is also reviewing its extras packages to make private dental more affordable.
“We’re working on a dental-only extras product, to encourage Tasmanian families who may not normally consider health insurance as an affordable option, to have more timely access to private dental care, especially for preventative dental services,” Mr Cameron said.
St Lukes’ second dental practice will open on the eastern shore in southern Tasmania in the coming months, with more clinics to follow. Bookings are available at stlukes.com.au/dental/dental-practices or 1300 354 637.
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Contact: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779 | jacquie@timminsray.com.au
St Lukes’ new northern wellness hub opens to the community
An exciting new health space has opened in Launceston, with not-for-profit Tasmanian health insurer St Lukes today unveiling an innovative wellness hub in one of Australia’s most sustainable office buildings.
Located on the ground floor of St Lukes’ new head office in Launceston, the wellness hub is a welcoming space that’s hardwired for health, said CEO Paul Lupo.
“This new wellness hub has been custom-built with one goal in mind – to make every Tasmanian’s health journey a little easier,” he said.
“It is a built manifestation of our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, where every member of the community can access a range of wellbeing initiatives and services.
“The space itself is a motivating force that brings people together to build connections, learn ways to improve their health and wellbeing, and feel supported to take action.”
Located at 93 Cimitiere Street, the Launceston wellness hub will host a rolling program of events that promote nutrition, movement and connection, in partnership with local organisations.
St Lukes’ popular Health Navigation initiative is also expanding to Launceston. The free service is aimed at helping people find the right healthcare options for their needs – regardless of whether they have private health insurance.
As well as a customer care centre, the wellness hub also features St Lukes’ first dental practice, a playground and soon-to-be-opened Sweetbrew café.
Scott Balmforth, Director of Tasmanian architecture firm Terroir, said the ground floor set the tone for a building that prioritises openness, health and wellbeing. “The retention of the original heritage warehouses was important, keeping their authenticity and preserving layers of valuable history and character,” he said.
“The building’s original repetitive timber trusses are the hero of the ground floor space, creating a sense of synergy between the industrial structures of another era and the modern, mass timber construction of the new build. We tied this into the St Lukes wellness hub area by installing its own timber ‘hero’: a Blackheart Sassafras timber feature ceiling.”
The wellness hub sits within a spectacular new addition to the Launceston skyline. St Lukes commissioned the seven-storey mass timber building to bring together its Launceston workforce, which was previously dispersed across four locations. Several other businesses have also taken up tenancies.
It’s the first multi-storey CLT/GLT* building in Tasmania, and one of only a dozen nationwide. St Lukes project director and board member Martin Rees said the project was extremely low carbon, with only half the emissions of a typical office building.
“We wanted this building to be nothing short of extraordinary: visually stunning, with world-leading sustainability credentials, and using Tasmanian materials and building local skills,” he said. “The project was an investment both in the health of Tasmanians, the environment, and the local economy. “This was really important for us as a not-for-profit, uniquely Tasmanian health insurer.”
With some aspects of the building still under completion, final tenant discussions and nation-leading sustainability certification assessment underway, St Lukes looks forward to revealing more details about the state-of-the-art building in the coming months.
St Lukes is excited to welcome the community to the wellness hub with an open day this Saturday, 27 July. Come along for a morning of free family fun from 9am – 12pm, including photos with Bluey and Bingo, face painting, games and more.
* CLT (cross laminated timber) and GLT (glue laminated timber).
ENDS Contact: Emily Woodgate, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0412 828 802 | emily@timminsray.com.au
Our children’s health going up in smoke
As a grandfather and someone who works in the health industry, I feel immense disappointment in this country’s efforts to prevent and protect people from products such as vapes, that are specifically designed and sold to be addictive.
Because I fear it will be my grandchildren that will be asking the questions of my generation as to why we weren’t up to making gutsy calls to keep people healthy.
And why aren’t we? Why is it so hard to place proper restrictions on products that cause harm? Why do we whiff the opportunities to make it easier for people to be healthy, to reduce the long-term burden of disease, to keep people out of hospital?
The watered-down vaping reform legislation which will see any adult able to purchase unapproved, unregulated and untested vapes from pharmacies without the medical oversight that comes with a prescription, is a glaring and tragic case in point.
Here we were, as a nation, battling a tidal wave of tobacco industry sponsored vaping that, surprise surprise, our kids were flocking to, and when we had the chance to end it by placing an effective ban on these products, our elected representatives coughed it up.
Now, they’re patting themselves on the back for legislation that will predictably pave the way for vapes to thrive in our community, in the mouths of any kid who wants them, exposing them to harmful addiction and a convenient pathway to tobacco. Then, it’s just more chronic disease and preventable deaths.
Turning pharmacies into vape shops without any medical oversight of a product we know is highly addictive and likely to be illegally sold-on to children is a massive setback in our efforts to stop yet another generation becoming addicted to the harmful products of big tobacco.
Thankfully, some of our pharmacies are stepping up where the federal politicians have failed. The chains that have stated they won’t be transformed into vape shops and won’t stock vapes regardless of this weak legislation are to be commended for their stand.
There is still a window of hope though. Already, Western Australia has pushed back against the legislation, and I’m calling on the Tasmanian Government to do the same and better protect our younger generation.
To retail nicotine products in Tasmania, you need a license from the state government – and this gives us an opportunity to place tougher restrictions on vapes and vaping products that contain nicotine.
It’s an opportunity our state government needs to show leadership in and must take up. We, as a state, need to make the hard call if we are to put our hands on our hearts and say we did everything we could to make the younger generation a healthier one than ours.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes
Tasmanian health leaders take up the fight for tougher vape legislation
With less than three months to go before vapes become available in pharmacies without a prescription, Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes and the Tasmanian Pharmacy Guild are calling on the state government to intervene.
Federal legislation passed late last month initially proposed to make the sale of vapes ‘prescription only’. However, last-minute amendments mean nicotine vapes will become ‘pharmacist only’ from October, making them available without a prescription to anyone 18 years or over.
In addition to the national regulation, Tasmania’s own legislation requires nicotine retailers to be licenced.
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said this provided an opportunity for the state government to add an extra layer of protection, similar to Western Australia, where nicotine vapes had been illegal without a prescription for a decade.
“We remain incredibly disappointed by the decision taken by the Senate, that puts the interests of big tobacco ahead of the health of our community,” Mr Lupo said.
“But now, in the lead up to October 1, we have a crucial window to ensure every action is taken to protect our community’s health and prevent these highly addictive products ending up in the hands of our children.
“We’ll be working with the state government, urging them to make Tasmania a leader in this space. We have decades of evidence of the inherent harm of nicotine addiction – now’s the time to act decisively and protect our future generations.”
Tasmanian pharmacists frustrated by the watered-down national laws vow they won’t be forced into becoming vape shops.
The Pharmacy Guild’s Tasmanian branch said pharmacists were not consulted on the amendments they were expected to enforce, and the legislation wouldn’t succeed without their buy-in. Several major national retailers have already stated they won’t stock vapes.
Under the changes, pharmacists need to be satisfied that a vape is clinically appropriate for the buyer – something Pharmacy Guild state President Helen O’Byrne said would be near impossible to manage.
“We administer pharmacist only medicines following consultation with patients, where we establish the therapeutic need,” she said. “Under the amendments, we can’t record patient information when supplying nicotine vapes, which flies in the face of the normal provision of healthcare.
It undermines the role of pharmacists as health care professionals, ultimately asking pharmacists to prescribe unapproved, unregulated, untested vaping products to the public.”
Ms O’Byrne said there remained concerns around pharmacists’ liability if a customer developed vaping-related health issues, insurance impacts, business risks and regulatory compliance. It also remained unclear how the amended federal legislation would tackle concerns around black market vapes.
“If we can’t take people’s details, how can we know how many pharmacies they’ve been to and how many vapes they’ve purchased that day?” she said.
“There’s a total lack of control, not to mention the lack of evidence around vapes helping with smoking cessation. This essentially turns pharmacists into tobacconists.
“We don’t get up and go to work in the morning to intentionally supply potentially harmful and highly addictive products to our patients.”
Mr Lupo said a St Lukes member survey conducted last year had revealed 90 per cent of respondents supported a smoking and vaping ban.
“Our members have reported they want action on vapes. St Lukes has the vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, and to achieve that, we need to see real leadership when faced with issues like this,” he said.
“Let’s look back in 40 years’ time and say we did the right thing, not lament that we chose to take the easy road and exposed our children to something that need never have been part of their lives.”
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For further information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
Bowen Road students empowered by world-leading child health literacy initiative
Students from a southern Tasmanian primary school are reaping the benefits of an internationally renowned child health literacy initiative, designed to empower future generations to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
HealthLit4Kids is an evidence-based program developed by Tasmanian international experts Dr Rosie Nash and Dr Shandell Elmer. It has already been included in three World Health Organisation reports as an exemplar for addressing non-communicable diseases (chronic conditions) such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
The targeted initiative supports primary schools to build the health literacy of staff and students in developing a culture through which the needs of the whole school community are identified and supported.
Teachers from Bowen Road Primary School are reporting a noticeable improvement in their students’ understanding of good health and healthy decisions in their third year into the program.
Bowen Road Primary Advanced Skills Teacher, Jenny Morgan, said HealthLit4Kids differed to any other program, in that it gave teachers permission to teach curriculum in an integrated way, completely tailored to the unique needs of the school, making it relatable and fun for students.
“HealthLit4Kids designs a whole-of-school action plan providing an opportunity for us to create an ethos and culture of health, and to work together on a shared goal, creating a sense of cohesion and community,” Ms Morgan said.
“New vocabulary and conversations have been heard in our classrooms and playgrounds about healthy decisions and habits, and our teachers and parent community have noticed a change in the children’s health behaviour and general classroom behaviour.”
HealthLit4Kids co-creator Dr Rosie Nash said the program gave students the opportunity to express what they learned in an age-appropriate way through their own displays and artefacts, which they were encouraged to share with their peers.
“We’ve been working with Bowen Road Primary for three years now and it is wonderful to see such positive results being observed by the whole school community,” Dr Nash said.
“The program aims to allow children to explore health issues that are specifically relevant to themselves, their families, friends and local community.
“Every year, we sit down with the teachers at the school to review what’s working for them and refining their action plan as needed, measuring outcomes from the past 12 months and setting new goals for next year.
“Every school is completely different in terms of their needs and areas of focus, and we not only tailor the program to individual schools, but within their respective action plans we also breakdown aims into ‘whole school’, ‘teachers’, ‘students’ and the ‘wider community’.
“That way we involve the whole school community, and it gives everyone a sense of ownership and pride in what they’re working together to achieve.”
Tasmanian leading not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes is working to lobby the Tasmanian Government to fund the rollout of the program progressively across all primary schools statewide.
St Luke CEO Paul Lupo said Tasmanians experienced significant challenges when it came to both their health literacy and educational attainment.
“Here we have an internationally sought-after child health literacy program, developed right here in Tasmania by Tasmanians, which is being adopted by other governments around the world, yet only a small proportion of our schools have access to it,” Mr Lupo said. “Health literacy ensures everyone in the community, regardless of background or education level, can access and understand essential health information, enabling them to actively participate in their own health and wellbeing.
“If we equip our children with the invaluable asset of health literacy, we will see a transformative intergenerational impact on Tasmania’s health outcomes.
“This represents a critical component of our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
Dr Nash said health literacy was an essential life skill that should be developed with children and adolescents before health behaviours were formed.
“Research shows we do most of our learning about how to be healthy with our family and friends during our school years, meaning quality health education in primary schools is essential for healthy learners and healthy communities,” she said.
“We want to be able to provide the same opportunity for learning to all Tasmanian primary schools, and we are hopeful that though case studies like Bowen Road Primary, the government will see the long-term benefits of that opportunity.”
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For more information Emily Woodgate, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0412 828 802 | emily@timminsray.com.au
Tasmanian senators must not fail our health on vaping Bill
Leading Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes has warned there’s no room for political bargaining when it comes to health, and says the watered-down vaping Bill negotiated in the Senate on Monday puts the interests of big tobacco ahead of the health of Tasmanians.
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said with the Bill expected to be brought on for debate, the Senate had the opportunity to deliver a far-reaching public health outcome for the country.
St Lukes is calling on Tasmanian senators to justify how this decision is in the best interest of the community.
“The Federal Government has shown the courage and leadership to have tough restrictions on the sale of vapes and vaping products to stop vapes from impacting our health,” Mr Lupo said.
“We now need senators from the other parties to stand up and say they don’t want to see Tasmanians targeted and harmed by these products any longer.”
Mr Lupo said reports that the Bill was being watered down to remove a requirement of a prescription for adults to buy vaping products from 1 October were extremely disappointing.
“The Greens in the Senate, and now some peak bodies, have put the interest of big tobacco ahead of the health of our population,” he said.
“Effectively turning pharmacies into vape shops without any medical oversight of a product we know is highly addictive and liable to be illegally on-sold to children is a massive setback in our efforts to stop yet another generation becoming addicted to nicotine and the products of big tobacco.
“Tasmanians will be rightly wondering what it will take to convince our lawmakers to take tough and decisive action to just get rid of these products from general circulation full stop.”
St Lukes is also urging the Tasmanian Government to act as a national leader, and ensure they are doing whatever they can at a state level to protect the health of Tasmanians.
“We have decades of evidence of the inherent harm of nicotine addiction, and yet we still can’t bring ourselves to decisively protect the community. While many of these measures will help control access to vapes, removing the requirement for prescription leaves us with a loophole all too many people will fall victim to.
“Vapes are harmful. They are addictive. Those two reasons alone ought to be enough for senators to take the action that’s needed. The fact that it is younger Tasmanians who are most at-risk from vaping purely reinforces how critical this vote is.
“We cannot afford for this vote to be the moment the next generation looks back on and asks why we didn’t make a more courageous decision for the sake of people’s health. It’s time to make a difference.”
ENDS
For further information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
St Lukes supports The Walk with inclusion key to overall health vision
Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania Chair Peter Gutwein is pleased to have the support of St Lukes for The Walk Step up Together.
“St Lukes has a vision for Tasmania to be the healthiest island on the planet, and we know that health isn’t simply physical wellbeing, but also social wellbeing, with inclusion and connectedness at the heart,” Mr Gutwein said.
“We know that inclusion has a direct influence on overall health because it enhances mental and emotional wellbeing, reduces health disparities, promotes better social support and fosters a holistic approach to health.
“We achieve better health outcomes as a state when we look at the big picture and all dimensions of health and wellbeing, and inclusion which is the core focus of The Walk, is part of that.”
St Lukes acting CEO Ben Davis said the organisation was proud to be supporting The Walk, which highlights the importance of creating inclusive communities for all Tasmanians.
“St Lukes has a vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, and we know when people feel a sense of belonging and connection, they are more likely to live fulfilling lives,” Mr Davis said.
“This in turn opens up further opportunities to improve our overall health and wellbeing as a community, in a space where everyone feels safe and supported.
“Peter has been advocating for a healthier Tasmania for many years now and we applaud him for his total dedication to the important issue of social wellbeing and inclusion.”
Mr Davis said it was encouraging to see individuals and organisations working collaboratively towards better health and wellbeing outcomes for our state.
“Tasmanians understand better than anyone the power of a connected community and what we can achieve together when we collaborate,” he said.
“This is why St Lukes is supporting The Walk to the tune of $5,000.
“If we are going to be the healthiest island on the planet, individuals, organisations and governments will need to work together and bring our collective expertise and capabilities to the table.”
The Walk Step up Together will see Peter Gutwein Walk 350km over seven days, from 9 to 16 June, joined by a growing number of individuals and organisations.
The Walk is an opportunity to raise the flag for inclusion in Tasmania and the value of our migrant and refugee communities.
Tasmanians and Tasmanian businesses are encouraged to get behind the initiative and can find out more by visiting www.mrctas.org.au
New private post-natal service offers NW families more support
A popular private post-natal service is expanding into North West Tasmania, giving mums-to-be more care options in their newborns’ first days.
The St Lukes Private Post-Natal service gives parents the choice of either a three-night luxury hotel stay with baby equipment provided and visits from a midwife or lactation consultant, or they can be visited in the comfort of their own home.
The program has been running in northern Tasmania for around seven years, and is expanding to the Coast following recent changes to the North West Regional Hospital’s obstetric offering.
St Lukes Chief Health Officer, Luke Cameron said the organisation was proud to bring this service to North West families.
“St Lukes’ vision is to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, and to do that we support our members through their whole life journey,” Mr Cameron said.
“The first days of a new baby’s life are wondrous, but can be overwhelming. This service ensures North West mums have everything they need to feel safe and supported.
“It is personalised to the needs of new and growing families, providing further choice and certainty around post-natal support.”
St Lukes members will be able to choose:
Hotel care:
- Launceston and Devonport: a three-night stay at a luxury hotel for the mother, baby and a support person, with a bassinet, change table and other necessary equipment provided. The package includes visits from a midwife or lactation consultant twice a day.
At Home care:
- Launceston, Burnie or Devonport: Support in the comfort of members’ own homes within a 25km radius of the cities*, including in-person visits from a midwife or lactation consultant twice a day.
- Out of Region: phone support from a midwife or lactation consultant twice a day.
Midwife Sharni Siely, from service provider Salveo Healthcare, said as well as nurse and lactation support, all meals are provided, and members will receive a physiotherapy appointment, cleaning voucher and a pamper package.
“We try to provide continuity of care, so that the same midwife is visiting the family for the duration of their care with the postnatal service, providing feeding support, and just generally keeping in touch with the family to ensure that the transition from hospital to home is nice and smooth,” Ms Siely said.
“Their family can come and visit them in the hotel, there aren’t any restrictions, there so all of their support networks can still see them.”
Mum-of-three Vicki Macdonald said the service had made a huge difference following the arrival of baby Jimmy.
“Getting back in the newborn stage, you forget a lot of things, so it was really nice to have someone who was so welcoming and made us feel really comfortable to give us that information,” Ms Macdonald said.
“We spent three days in the hotel being very well looked after by the staff and then obviously our midwife as well. It just made life nice and easy in that transition back to home.”
St Lukes’ North West Private Post-Natal Service launched in late 2023. The Tasmanian not-for-profit has been offering the program for new mums at the Launceston General Hospital since the Calvary St. Vincent private post-natal unit closed in 2016.
Full details are available here.
*Within a 25-kilometre radius of the Launceston General Hospital, North West Regional Hospital or Novotel Devonport.
ENDS
Contact: Emily Woodgate, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 012 828 802 | emily@timminsray.com.au
Time to turn a new page in Tasmania’s health history
True political leadership is exemplified by the courage to do what’s right for the benefit of communities and the betterment of society. It resists myopic decision making aimed primarily at surviving election cycles.
It is incumbent on our new government to develop visionary and sustainable health strategies that prioritise prevention, innovation and community education.
For example, if we invested now in child health literacy, we could redress inequity into the future, equipping today’s kids with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, enabling them to actively participate in their own health and wellbeing.
Similarly, if we were brave enough to stand up to Big Tobacco and stop them from making billions of dollars at the expense of our children’s health, we would in turn save billions of dollars and most importantly, thousands of lives.
Imagine providing every Tasmanian child with preventative dental care instead of dealing with an adult population in need of urgent tooth extraction, which has significant physical and mental health impacts as well as being costly to the individual and the health system.
Of course, it can’t be left up to government alone to achieve transformational change. Everyone in the community has a part to play and collaboration is critical.
St Lukes has a vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet and we are genuine about making this a reality.
We intend to empower our members and the community to take steps towards better health themselves, and we have already done a lot to understand what Tasmanians need to take control of their own health.
For our part, we are opening our own dental practices this year to supplement and support existing dental services across the state, and we hope to treat public patients through the government’s voucher program.
Just $2 million per annum for four years would give Tasmanians access to 7,000 vouchers for acute and general dental care episodes through private dentists each year, significantly reducing emergency dental presentations statewide.
We are also implementing a dedicated trial to improve the health literacy of our employees, with the aim of developing a program that can be rolled out across the Tasmanian business community.
Last year we opened the first of our wellness hubs to the community, with inclusive sessions that facilitate movement, nutrition and connection as well as providing free access to our health navigators who are expert in helping people find their way through our complex health system.
St Lukes is not afraid to do some heavy lifting and we know there are other organisations and individuals doing incredible things to support the health and wellbeing of future generations.
However, Tasmania needs leadership from government to provide the necessary reform, frameworks and funding to facilitate urgently needed innovation.
I urge every member of the Tasmanian Parliament to reveal the part she or he is prepared to play in making Tasmania healthier by delivering equity, accessibility and quality health care, and by fostering resilience and adaptability in our health system.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes.
Worst-ever flu season start prompts vaccination call-to-arms
Tasmanians are being urged to get their flu vaccination early this year, following the worst national March quarter on record for influenza cases – before the flu season is even technically underway.
The Pharmacy Guild says 26,836 flu cases were listed in the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) from January 1st to March 25th, around 10,000 higher than last year’s numbers.
Tasmania recorded 234 flu cases in the first quarter of 2024, already reaching 299 by April 15th. That’s double the 117 cases in Q1 2023, and there were just four in Q1 2022 (with infection rates impacted by COVID-19 measures).
With Tasmanian flu numbers typically following three to four weeks behind the mainland, not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes says it’s important to stay ahead of the wave. St Lukes is partnering with the Pharmacy Guild to provide free flu shots to more than 71,000 members with Extras cover in Tasmania.
“The national trend is a concern, with high case numbers early in the year when the flu season typically runs from May to October,” says St Lukes Chief Operating Officer, Darren Harris.
“We’re urging Tasmanians to get vaccinated early and give our community the best protection against the spikes we’re already seeing interstate.
“It’ll keep you and your family on your feet and able to enjoy the best of the Tasmanian winter.”
Pharmacy Guild of Tasmania President Helen O’Byrne says 2024 stock has arrived and community pharmacists state wide are ready to vaccinate.
“The flu shot is your best defence against contracting influenza, and potentially getting seriously ill from associated complications,” Ms O’Byrne says.
“This is especially important with other seasonal viruses like COVID-19 and RSV impacting people’s immune systems. If you’re due for a COVID booster, you can get both at once.”
Pharmacies can vaccinate people over five years of age. Younger children and certain at-risk cohorts are also eligible for free vaccination at their GP under the National Immunisation Program.
The St Lukes free flu vaccinations are available now at participating pharmacies – members can see the full list and make a booking here.
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Contact: Emily Woodgate, Timmins Ray Public Relations 0412 828 802 | emily@timminsray.com.au
St Lukes sets new national standard in customer care
St Lukes has set a new national industry standard in customer care, taking out ‘Private Health Insurer of the Year’ in the Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards, announced last night.
The awards are decided from the world’s largest ongoing single source survey of more than 60,000 people across Australia, which asks participants how satisfied they feel about their interactions with various companies.
St Lukes finished with an average customer satisfaction of 93.6 per cent – one of the highest of any of the winning companies.
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said the highly coveted award from Australia's largest independent research company highlighted St Lukes’ commitment to providing exceptional value and customer care to its members.
“St Lukes prides itself on maintaining a close relationship with our community, by listening to and understanding the needs and expectations of our members and by putting them at the forefront of our service offerings and broader advocacy efforts,” Mr Lupo said.
“Being recognised nationally in this way really validates our dedicated local team’s commitment to delivering the highest level of service and value to our members, both in Tasmania and across the nation.
“This is further reinforced by our consistently high Net Promotor Score (NPS), which measures the likelihood of our members recommending us to a family member or friend.
“Our most recent NPS came back at + 41 per cent, which is exceptionally high for our industry. To put it in context, our two major industry competitors scored minus 15 and minus 21 per cent.”
In addition to the Private Health Insurer of the Year, St Lukes also won the Private Health Insurer of the Year (Not-for-Profit or Restricted) award category.
“St Lukes has been providing not-for-profit health insurance for more than 70 years and we’re very proud of our history, but we’re always looking to the future, with a focus on preventative health care and generational change,” Mr Lupo said.
“We have a vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, and we have been working hard to advocate for improvements to our state’s health system as well as looking at innovative ways we can empower our members to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
“This has included the creation of wellness hubs for our members and the community with sessions facilitating movement, nutrition and connection, as well as free access to our health navigators, who can support people to find their way through the health system no matter where they are in their health journeys.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have achieved such a nationally renowned accolade, further inspiring and motivating our people to keep working hard for our members and towards our vision.”
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said St Lukes had returned to the winners’ circle in style, taking its total victory tally to six, having previously won Private Health insurer of the Year for four consecutive years from 2016 – 2019.
“The Tasmanian stalwart has had an exceptional year, winning 18 monthly awards for customer satisfaction – nine in each category – the equal most monthly wins of any company and returns to the winner’s list,” Ms Levine said.
“The commitment shown by St Lukes to consistently provide high levels of customer satisfaction is why this company is a constant presence among the most highly rated companies in this important award and has been a valued company for many Tasmanians for over 70 years.”
ENDS
For further information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations 0429 683 779.
Better access to dental care will give Tasmanians something to smile about
Good oral health is so important to our overall health and wellbeing, but for too many Tasmanians, affordable and accessible dental care becoming is out of reach.
Tasmania is at a disadvantage when it comes to oral health access. While we are fortunate to have some exceptional dentists practicing in Tasmania, we have fewer dentists than we should – a staggering 25 per cent lower than the national average. Dental clinics tend to be clustered in cities, forcing regional Tasmanians to travel for a check-up.
If you can get to a dentist, you’ll pay for it. Tasmanians have the nation’s lowest average incomes, yet we face some of the highest dental fees for particular services. As the cost of living continues to bite, a trip to the dentist risks dropping off the list of priorities.
The alternative to private dental is to join around 14,000 other Tasmanians waiting up to 800 days for non-emergency public dental care. Oral Health Tasmania offers a vital service and does an excellent job, but these statistics show the public system simply cannot keep up with demand.
And let’s be honest, going to the dentist at times, isn’t a lot of fun. Many people still fear a trip to the chair, unsure of what the dentist’s pick may uncover, and how much it will hurt – both the patient and their hip pocket. The specter of pulling teeth as preventative dental lingers over the profession from a very real history, which gives short shrift to modern dental practices. The irony is, the more we delay oral healthcare, the more likely we are to end up with drastic measures like tooth extraction.
In short, between access, cost and our personal reluctance, it’s all too easy to put off a check-up. But dodging the dentist has real consequences. Recent figures show 13 per cent of preventable admissions at the Launceston General Hospital are oral health-related, adding an avoidable burden on our strained public health system.
Delaying dental treatment to the point tooth extraction is the only option also has personal physical and mental health impacts – affecting your ability to eat, drink and smile – and potentially requiring dental implants, bridges or dentures.
We shouldn’t have to grin and bear it. There needs to be another way.
St Lukes is a Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer, which means we can pinpoint and act on the issues that are most affecting our community. We believe all Tasmanians have a fundamental right to good oral health. As part of our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, we see dental as an area with huge potential for generational change.
We’ve been working with the industry to explore how we can do dental differently, making it as accessible and affordable as possible and taking pressure of the public oral health system.
In 2024, St Lukes will open our own dental practices that supplement and support existing dental health services. In addition, we’ll also be reviewing our dental extras offering, exploring options around bite-sized dental-only extras products.
There’s also work to be done to improve Tasmanians’ oral health literacy. We need to understand how important healthy teeth and gums are to our overall health and wellbeing and shake off our generational perceptions around going to the dentist. There’s nothing to fear! Modern dental services are all about preventative care and early intervention. Regular maintenance minimises the need for major procedures.
We’re imagining a Tasmania where affordable and accessible dental services mean everyone can have excellent oral health. Now that’s something to smile about.
Luke Cameron is the Chief Health Officer at St Lukes.
Tennis star and mental health advocate Jelena Dokic rallies Tasmanian fans
Former world number four tennis player-turned bestselling author, Channel 9 commentator and mental health advocate, Jelena Dokic, has shared her story of resilience and survival with an enrapt audience in Hobart.
Not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes hosted Jelena at its wellness hub in Hobart as part of its new “An Evening With…” series, which connects inspiring speakers on health and wellbeing themes with Tasmanian audiences.
“We’re delighted to have Jelena as our inaugural speaker,” says Kate Denmen, St Lukes Southern Region Customer Care Manager.
“Who better than Jelena – one of Australia’s best-loved sports stars and mental health advocates – to kick off this series, connect with Tasmanians and rally us to take control of our own health, wellbeing, and ultimately lives.
“Hearing from inspiring role models who motivate us to achieve our potential is part of our work to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
Jelena burst onto the global tennis scene in 1999 at the age of 16, when she dethroned then-world number one Martina Hingis at Wimbledon. But behind her determination and achievements on court throughout her career, Jelena was fighting an even greater battle behind the scenes.
As a two-time refugee, Jelena had spent most of her life facing bullying and racism. Even more insidious, from the age of six she endured harrowing abuse at the hands of her own father for more than 15 years. The stress and trauma took its toll on her mental health, leading to disordered eating, anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Jelena has reclaimed her story, recently releasing an autobiography Fearless as a follow-up to her bestseller Unbreakable. She has also returned to the tennis world as a grand slam commentator, become an influential speaker and mental health champion, and gone viral for her comments around body positivity as well as her warm and candid interactions with Australian Open stars.
“Speaking up and finding my voice saved my life,” says Jelena. “Baring it all in my speeches and books has allowed me to stand in my power and truth after almost three decades of being silenced.
“I’ve gone from ‘survivor’ to ‘thriver’. Now, helping others find their voice, to be their most honest and unapologetic self, and to stand up for themselves through sessions like this is such a privilege.”
Yesterday afternoon Jelena spent time meeting Hobart fans at a book signing session, before the evening’s event kicked off with an introduction by local mental health champion Mitch McPherson of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY. Mitch then hosted a Q&A session with Jelena, facilitating more moments of personal connection with the audience.
ENDS
Contact: Emily Woodgate, Timmins Ray Public Relations 0412 828 802 | emily@timminsray.com.au
World-leading Tasmanian health literacy initiative to empower a generation
Tasmanian primary schools could soon have access to an internationally acclaimed health literacy initiative developed in Tasmania, designed to empower future generations to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
HealthLit4Kids is an evidence-based program developed by Tasmanian specialist researchers Dr Rosie Nash and Dr Shandell Elmer. It has already been included in three World Health Organisation reports as an exemplar for addressing non-communicable diseases (chronic conditions) such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
HealthLit4Kids is a youth targeted program that supports primary schools to build the health literacy of staff and students in developing a culture through which the needs of the whole school community are identified and supported.
St Lukes wants the incoming government to commit to core funding for HealthLit4Everyone so it can ensure the rollout of its HealthLit4Kids program in all 123 Tasmanian primary schools in its first term.
CEO Paul Lupo said health literacy was a social determinant of health, capable of redressing inequity, and was integral to the organisation’s vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
“Health literacy ensures everyone in the community, regardless of background or education level, can access and understand essential health information, enabling them to actively participate in their own health and wellbeing,” Mr Lupo said.
“We are calling on a newly elected government to commit to a focused effort on health literacy in Tasmanian primary schools with the aim of creating a generation that can find, understand and use health information and services.
“Tasmanians experience significant challenges when it comes to both their health literacy and educational attainment, each having a compounding effect on the other.
“If we equip our children with the invaluable asset of health literacy, we will see a transformative intergenerational impact on Tasmania’s health outcomes.”
HealthLit4Everyone CEO Dr Rosie Nash said health literacy was an essential life skill that should be developed with children and adolescents before health behaviours were formed.
“Research shows we do most of our learning about how to be healthy with our family and friends during our school years, meaning quality health education in primary schools is essential for healthy learners and healthy communities,” Dr Nash said.
“Health education in primary schools is usually taught by classroom teachers, and our research shows they often report that they do not have the time or knowledge to confidently include health in classroom lessons.
Co-located hospital a critical first step to a world-class health system for the north.
Every Tasmanian has a fundamental right to access the health care they need no matter where they live, but sadly that is not the case for many, especially in the north of the state.
Calvary’s decision not to proceed with its plans to build a co-located private hospital in Launceston is a major set-back for northern Tasmania and the state, but we must not let this critical opportunity go.
With an election around the corner, it is critical that all candidates commit to working constructively with key stakeholders to identify and secure a suitable operator with the capital to see the co-located project through.
This is the fundamental first step, but not the only step, to creating one of the best regional health systems in the country, with the ability to attract and retain the highest calibre specialists and researchers to the north of the state.
St Lukes has been advocating for the development since 2018 and provided critical information to Calvary and the Government about what the proposal needed to deliver in order to meet the needs of the community, based on a major survey of our members.
More than 1,300 residents from northern Tasmania aged 18 to 65 and above participated in the survey.
The quantitative data was compelling, with 92 per cent of members saying it was important for a new private hospital and the LGH to closely co-operate and share resources.
Ninety-three per cent wanted to access care close to home and remain under the care of their GPs and specialists, and 89 per cent wanted to see other services accommodated at the new co-located hospital.
The survey results compelled us to work with stakeholders across the health sector, to ensure the proposal went beyond that of a standalone private operation to one that contributed to delivering the breadth and complexity of essential services desperately needed across the community.
Since we did this work back in 2020, we’ve seen a record growth in new members as well as a significant increase in people using private services to access elective surgery on a timely basis.
In fact, the vast majority of elective surgeries are now going through the private system, which significantly eases the burden on the public hospital system.
Public and private services are interdependent and must support and complement each other to deliver the best outcomes for their communities.
The new government will need to drive innovative multi-sectoral approaches to deliver an integrated public-private health care model that addresses the diverse needs of the northern Tasmanian community.
St Lukes is committed to working constructively with both private and public operators to ensure we deliver the best health care we can, combining the advantages of both systems for the benefit of the community.
Every Tasmanian deserves access to the right care in the right setting. The co-located hospital is the critical first step to achieving this.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes.
Health Navigators guide Tasmanians through the healthcare system
A new St Lukes Health Navigation service is helping demystify the state’s healthcare system, putting Tasmanians on the right track to better health and wellbeing.
St Lukes Chief Health Officer Luke Cameron said the organisation understood that members often found the health system so complex, they simply didn’t know where to start.
“This is the case whether you’re well and looking for proactive advice to stay that way, have a health concern and are investigating screening options, or have received a diagnosis and are exploring possible courses of treatment,” Mr Cameron said.
“To address this issue in a proactive, positive way, we’re providing St Lukes members and the community free access to our Health Navigators who specialise in navigating the healthcare system.
“Our Heath Navigators are non-clinical professionals, complementing people’s relationships with their primary treating practitioners.”
The latest Primary Health Tasmania Needs Assessment Report 2022-2025 sparked the idea for the service, revealing that most people enter the health system through their GPs, with the average Tasmanian seeing their doctor seven times a year.
But with an ageing population, increasingly complex health issues, GPs strained by heavy workloads, and the need for early intervention to keep people out of hospital, St Lukes is perfectly positioned to play a role in helping people find the information they need to get well, or stay well.
Health Navigation service user Madeleine Maloney said she went in to discuss a range of health concerns, and came out with practical ideas, solutions, and a plan for the way forward.
“It was a huge relief. Confidential, competent, we did research on the spot and the health navigator followed up with links and references after the session,” Madeleine said.
“It’s a very generous offer. I spent an hour one-on-one with someone interested in health, there was no hard sell, just a genuine conversation based on navigating health systems that are complicated, and getting more complicated.
“We have an excellent GP, but doctors are overworked. This service is an amazing example of the change and collaboration that St Lukes is driving for. Take it up, I guarantee it will be useful!”
Anyone can access the free service at St Lukes’ Hobart wellness hub face-to-face, online, or by phone. St Lukes will shortly rollout the service statewide, where it will be especially critical for people in regional communities who have the most challenges accessing healthcare.
“It was important to make this available to everyone – both St Lukes members and the wider public – to progress our vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet,” Mr Cameron said.
ENDS
More information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray – 0429 683 779 | jacquie@timminsray.com.au
Donations urgently needed to help relieve the Christmas cost crunch
As demand soars for Christmas support services, two Tasmanian organisations are calling on the community to help make the season special for those most in need.
Hobart City Mission and St Lukes are joining forces on a Christmas donation drive this December. People can leave an unwrapped new toy under the St Lukes Hobart Christmas tree until end-of-business on Thursday 14th December. Toys, non-perishable food and financial donations can also be given directly at City Mission’s Hobart and Moonah offices until 5pm that day.
Hobart City Mission CEO Harvey Lennon said the local community needed support more than ever this Christmas.
“The increased cost of living and housing crisis are continuing to put pressure on the people of southern Tasmania, and without donations we can’t meet this increasing demand,” Mr Lennon said.
“Since applications for our Christmas Assistance Program opened in October, we’ve been inundated with more than 1,648 families – including almost 3,000 children – applying for assistance.
“That’s a 63 per cent increase in families compared to 2022, and a 72 per cent increase in the number of kids affected.
“We talked to one mum recently who was so grateful for the support she received last year. She said Christmas had always been a special time for her family. It was only because of this support that she could make Christmas special for her kids too – just how she remembered with her own mother.”
The Christmas Assistance Program surge reflects the growing demand on Hobart City Mission’s Emergency Relief program, where the number of food packs handed out every month has increased by around 30 per cent.
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said the organisation was delighted to support the Christmas donation drive with a gift of its own – a $10,000 donation to the appeal – as well as providing an easy-access central location for people to drop in with their presents.
“Rising cost-of-living is impacting us all, but when times are tough Tasmanians are very good at coming together and rallying around those most in need,” Mr Lupo said.
“If you can, give what you can. A small donation can have a big impact on families who are doing it tough. Giving also builds social connectedness and improves everyone’s mental health, which aligns with our vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
“We’re thrilled to contribute $10,000 to the cause. Let’s take care of each other this Christmas and spread joy and wellbeing to every home.”
Donation points
Where: St Lukes Hobart (corner of Liverpool and Elizabeth Streets)
What: Unwrapped new toys
When: Until 5pm Thursday 14th December
Where: Hobart City Mission, 50 Barrack St Hobart or 11 Main Rd Moonah
What: Non-perishable food items, unwrapped new toys and financial donations (Barrack St office, online at hobartcitymission.org.au or over the phone on 6215 4200)
When: Until 5pm Thursday 14th December
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Further information: Emily Woodgate, Timmins Ray Public Relations: emily@timminsray.com.au
Tasmanian parents given exclusive lesson on raising tech-healthy humans
St.LukesHealth is providing parents and carers with an exclusive opportunity to hear from Tasmanian multi award-winning author on parenting and TEDx speaker, Daniel Sih, on how to raise tech-healthy humans in Hobart next month.
Southern Regional Manager, Kate Denmen, said St.LukesHealth was thrilled to host the free session to give parents a deeper philosophy of technology, as it related to themselves and their children, enabling them to establish healthier habits.
“This is just one of the ways we’re helping to drive positive generational change, which forms an important part of our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet,” Mrs Denmen said.
Mr Sih this year won Best Parenting Book in the eLit Book Awards (USA) and a Silver Medal in the Best Family/Parenting Book category of the Best Living Now Book Awards (USA).
His 2023 TEDx talk on the topic of kids and tech has had more than 200,000 views since May and his books have been endorsed by world-renowned Tasmanian parenting author, Steve Biddulph.
According to Mr Sih, social media and early interactive tech use is making young people less happy, increasing mental health issues, and damaging their ability to focus, control their emotions, and learn in constructive ways.
“Digital technology is miraculous, useful and essential for young people, as it is the world they will navigate as adults, but too much time online, the wrong type of time online, at too young an age, can be harmful to their health, learning, and happiness,” Mr Sih said.
“To learn throughout life, young people need to learn how to focus, concentrate, and hold attention, but early use of interactive media through devices trains our brains to require constant stimulation, novelty and non-linear thinking.
“This is bad for learning because ultimately, if our kids are to grow up to be leaders in their fields, including technology, they first need a brain that can focus and learn.”
Mr Sih said eyesight was also deeply impacted by near-work (versus far work), so parents needed to know what types of screens were better for their children.
“There is a myopia epidemic that will hit us in 50 years because of early handheld device use, with the World Health Organisation predicting 50 per cent of the world's population will be near-sighted or myopic by 2050,” he said.
“As a society, we all need to slow down in giving kids interactive devices (such as tablets and phones) and social media, because most of the apps used by kids are designed to fracture their attention, create addiction, and stimulate anxiety-producing parts of the brain.
“I teach a seven-step program to help parents re-think the way they introduce technologies, not to reject the value of digital technology, but to go slower, then grade up as kids grow up.”
Mr Sih’s book was released in December 2022 and has been hugely popular among schools and parenting communities, with a number of independent primary schools across Tasmania purchasing copies for every parent.
Mrs Denmen encouraged any Tasmanian with an interest in how to raise tech healthy young people to come along to the free event next month for an exclusive opportunity to hear from Daniel.
“It is our aim to make our Hobart health and wellbeing space a valued place for our members and the entire Tasmanian community, to enable preventative health, early intervention and positive generational change,” Mrs Denmen said.
The free session will be held on Monday 6 November from 6pm – 7.30pm.
ENDS
For more information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
St Lukes takes out Outstanding Value Award
St Lukes has taken out the Canstar 2023 Outstanding Value Award for its hospital cover, highlighting its commitment to providing exceptional health insurance for the Tasmanian community.
Chief Executive Officer Paul Lupo said the highly coveted award from Australia's largest financial comparison site highlighted St Lukes' commitment to providing exceptional value and service to its members.
“What sets us apart from our competitors is that we are not-for-profit, and we are consistently putting our members first,” Mr Lupo said.
“It is an honour to receive this award which reinforces our drive to offer our members the very best in service and value.”
This is the first time St Lukes has won the Tasmanian award for its hospital product.
“This achievement highlights our unwavering dedication to serving the Tasmanian community and our members with top-tier health insurance solutions,” Mr Lupo said.
“An integral part of the Tasmanian community, our commitment to providing affordable and high-quality health insurance cover has made us a trusted partner for almost 80,000 Tasmanians.”
Canstar uses a sophisticated rating methodology to determine award recipients, designed to simplify finding the right insurance policy for Australians.
www.canstar.com.au/star-ratings-awards
Tasmanians incentivised to prioritise their health in the face of rising living costs
Tasmanians feeling the pinch from the rising cost of living are being incentivised to keep their families’ health at the top of their priorities.
Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer, St.LukesHealth, has teamed up with Tasmanian Independent Retailers to offer new members a free IGA gift card worth up to $500 to help families with their grocery costs.*
Chief Operating Officer, Darren Harris, said recent figures revealed more than three-quarters of the Tasmanian community were feeling the pressure from inflation, specifically when it came to feeding the family.
“We know food insecurity is a rapidly growing problem for families in this state, ranging from having to reduce the quality and variety of food, to extreme measures such as regularly skipping meals,” Mr Harris said.
“More than 86 per cent of our members are Tasmanian, and we understand that family budgets are just not stretching as far as many people need them to.
“We know people are finding the cost of living extremely challenging in the present economic climate, and we are determined to help in any way we can to ease that burden.”
IGA Tasmania Head of Marketing, Travis Allen, said with more than 85 stores across the state, IGA was delighted to provide new St.LukesHealth members with the opportunity to shop local and save on groceries.
Mr Harris said the IGA affiliation and offer was just one of the ways St.LukesHealth was working to make Tasmanians healthier.
“We take our role in the community extremely seriously and we know what it means to support our members, and that includes new members,” he said.
*Offer ends 13 October 2023. Must maintain product for 30 days to receive voucher. Offer available to new Tasmanian members only. T&Cs apply.
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For more information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
Collaboration aims to help Tasmanians stay healthy and move into homes
Tasmanians are set to benefit from a new alliance between prominent local organisations, St.LukesHealth and Bank of us, with the announcement of a number of exclusive offers.
Bank of us CEO Paul Ranson said the first phase of the collaboration will help Tasmanians to take control of their health and get into homes sooner.
“We are coming together to reward the Tasmanian community for supporting us over the years, offering financial benefits to both new and existing customers to say thank you.
“We understand some Tasmanians are doing it really tough right now, with the rising cost of living, and we encourage our customers and members to get in touch to see how we can help,” Mr Ranson said.
St.LukesHealth CEO Paul Lupo said through the new alliance, the two organisations were committed to improving the physical, mental and financial health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians.
“St.LukesHealth has set an ambitious vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet, and as part of our commitment to this, we’re focusing on things that will help make a positive difference to people’s lives and improve their overall health and wellbeing,” Mr Lupo said.
Mr Ranson said the collaboration aligns with the Bank’s two key impact priorities – to contribute to improving the financial literacy of Tasmanians, and to help more Tasmanians into homes.
“We’ve been fortunate to be able to help Tasmanians into homes for more than 153 years, making a difference to the lives of Tasmanians,” Mr Ranson said.
“In the next phase of our alliance with St.LukesHealth, we’ll be identifying even more ways we can work together to provide powerful, positive outcomes for Tasmanians.”
Mr Lupo said both organisations have a proud Tasmanian heritage and are dedicated to the betterment of the state, and he hoped to see many in the community making the most of the unique collaboration and offering.
For more information on the exclusive offers, visit our member benefits page.
Tasmanian parents and carers given skills to save their children’s lives
Tasmanian parents and carers have been given the skills to save their children’s lives, with a specialised first aid program for babies and young children, aimed at preparing them for an emergency and equipping them with the confidence to handle common health issues.
St.LukesHealth Southern Regional Manager, Kate Denmen, said the two-hour session – facilitated by Jason Crusius from First Up and hosted in St.LukesHealth Hobart – provided participants with vital information about children’s health, first aid and safety in a non-judgmental, friendly environment.
“Baby + Child First Aid Tasmania sessions are delivered by qualified health professionals, trained in accordance with current recommendations and guidelines at a low cost of $6,” Mrs Denmen said.
Late last year, St.LukesHealth invited the community to vote on the types of programs they’d like to see in the new CBD space – from therapy dogs to try-it-out sports days, partner pop-ups to lunchtime orchestral performances.
Mrs Denmen said the response was overwhelming, and after tallying hundreds of votes, the organisation had developed a diverse program of services and events that responded to the expectations of the community.
“Since opening our doors to the public late last month, we’re thrilled to see so many different organisations making the most of our space to deliver valuable health services such as this,” Mrs Denmen said.
“It is our aim to make this a valued place for our members and the entire Tasmanian community to seek help in understanding and navigating the healthcare system as well as learn, explore, be inspired, and take charge of their health and wellbeing.
“This is just another way we’re working towards our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
ENDS
For more information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
Collaboration leads to healthy outcomes
Tasmanians understand better than anyone else the power of a connected community and what we can achieve together when we collaborate, writes St.LukesHealth CEO Paul Lupo.
I never cease to be amazed at the Tasmanian community’s natural ability to come together for a common goal. Our collective capacity to collaborate, with a shared sense of purpose and pride, has allowed us to do things differently to other states.
This is a reality that should be capitalised by other local organisations, to think outside the square and set even more adventurous goals, knowing we are in the right place to achieve them.
It was our confidence in the community’s ability to work and find solutions together, that allowed St.LukesHealth to set our ambitious vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
When it comes to our health and wellbeing, collaboration is critical. If there’s one thing we have learned in the health sector, it’s that simply throwing money at a problem doesn’t buy you a solution.
At St.LukesHealth we’ve always advocated for a holistic approach to our health system. We know from experience that exploring public and private partnerships strengthens our response to health challenges.
Working with other Tasmanian individuals, organisations and governments to find ways to make our communities healthier and happier is inherent in everything we do as a business.
This is demonstrated in our collaboration with the Department of Health and our northern health partners on the co-located hospital in Launceston. We surveyed our members to inform our advocacy efforts for the right services in the right settings.
It is demonstrated in our pilot program delivered in partnership with Keiser, designed to prevent Tasmanians from having avoidable hip or knee joint replacement surgery, taking pressure off the state’s surgery waiting lists.
Our collaborations even extend to our member product offerings, partnering with other Tasmanian organisations, including local IGA supermarkets and Bank of us, to ease the burden of rising living costs.
We are currently bringing together a coalition to create a smoke free generation in the face of rising rates of teen smoking for the first time in 25 years.
And finally, our two major builds in the north and south of the state are bringing together Tasmanian architects, builders, manufacturers, craftsmen and designers to create beautiful, calm and welcoming health spaces the whole community can access and enjoy.
Today, we open the doors to the public on the first of our community health and wellbeing hubs, right in the heart of Hobart’s CBD.
This prime location, accessible to all, will be so much more than a transactional space – we were determined to build something exciting and inclusive that goes to the heart of Tasmanians’ health and wellbeing.
A place where we could put our vision into practice – where the community can start taking small steps to improve their health and wellbeing, in a really tangible, accessible way.
Through working with other Tasmanian organisations we have already locked in a broad variety of programs, ensuring the space is genuinely a place for everyone.
Building our Tasmanian brand instils confidence to invest, confidence in ourselves as a state, and allows us to raise our expectations for ourselves.
For St.LukesHealth, that confidence allowed us to set our bold vision, which has in turn enabled us to attract good professionals, hungry for challenge and opportunity, back into the state and into our business.
But we couldn’t do all that on our own of course. Collaboration has supported us to lift the bar for ourselves.
Tasmania is small and special and that allows us to do things differently. Let’s capitalise on this, with the confidence to take considered risk and invest in our community’s ability to collaborate.
Paul Lupo is the CEO of Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurance provider St.LukesHealth.
New health and wellbeing hub unveils majestic all-Tasmanian sassafras installation
A magnificent all-Tasmanian sassafras installation has been revealed today in Hobart’s CBD, as part of a new public-inspired health and wellbeing hub.
Set to open its doors on August 21, the St.LukesHealth member and community space features a visually stunning installation, designed to resemble the inside of a tree, crafted by an all-Tasmanian team using the native wood Blackheart Sassafras.
The timber installation stands 3.6 metres high and 56 metres long – a testament to the organisation’s commitment to fostering a healthier community in environmentally sustainable spaces.
CEO Paul Lupo said the iconic central space would incorporate services and activities as voted by the public during an open weekend late last year, to empower Tasmanians to take control of their health and wellbeing.
“The majestic installation will welcome everyone into the space, designed by Tasmanian architects Terroir and brought to life by Vos Constructions, who invested more than 1,500 hours into its creation,” Mr Lupo said.
Terroir Project Leader Jack Andrews said the installation was designed to bring the city inside, shaped like a tree hollow, to stimulate the imagination.
“Hollows, when found in nature, are a natural form of shelter which sustain all forms of life, so drawing on that concept seemed an appropriate theme for St.LukesHealth in its aim to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet,” Mr Andrews said.
VOS Construction Manager Stuart Percey said the process for building the timber installation was based on guitar manufacturing and a clinker-built timber dinghy technique.
“It was a pleasure to work on this truly unique, Tasmanian installation, with the client, designer, supplier, timber and builder all being from our island state,” Mr Percey said.
St.LukesHealth invited the community to vote on ideas for the new CBD space – from therapy dogs to try-it-out sports days, partner pop-ups to lunchtime orchestral performances.
Mr Lupo said the response was overwhelming, and after tallying hundreds of votes, he was thrilled to announce the top three choices as voted by the public.
“Our most popular concept 'Movers and Shakers', won the most votes, telling us the community craves invigorating classes that promote movement and wellness, from Pilates and yoga to breath work and a running club.
“Our ‘Right Care, Right Time, Right Here’ concept came in at a close second, revealing a community need for support in navigating the health journey by having the right information at the right time.
“We will provide access to a team to guide people as they undertake the treatment they need to return to their healthy selves, whether that be advice about how to prepare and what to expect in hospital or getting ready to return to everyday life.
“Finally, 'Yours For A Week' was an idea that garnered immense support, dedicating the innovative space to other health-related services, organisations or charities, providing them with exposure in a high-traffic area for an entire week.
“St.LukesHealth Hobart will be a beautiful place for our members and the Tasmanian community to visit, a place to seek help in understanding and navigating the healthcare system – for anyone who wants to learn, explore, be inspired, and take charge of their health and wellbeing.
“We’re excited to open our new Hobart home at the end of August, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone, as we continue our work to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
ENDS
For more information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
Smoke free generation closer than ever before
St.LukesHealth supports Tasmanians’ oral health with new dental practices
Northern Tasmanians will soon have access to a new dental practice, with leading not-for-profit health insurer, St.LukesHealth, today announcing the opening of its very own practice in Launceston early next year.
The St.LukesHealth Dental Practice – to be housed in the organisation’s new Launceston Headquarters currently under construction – will be the first of a group of new practices planned across Tasmania, in a bid to ease the pressure on the state’s dental system.
Chief Health Officer, Luke Cameron, said recognising the crucial role essential oral health played in overall wellbeing was key to the organisation’s vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
“St.LukesHealth believes it is a fundamental right for all Tasmanians to have access to high-quality essential oral healthcare,” Mr Cameron said.
“With 16,500 Tasmanians waiting for non-emergency oral healthcare on Tasmania’s public dental system, we are keen to provide affordable and accessible services, supplementing and supporting existing dental health services in the state.”
Mr Cameron said the dental industry in Tasmania continued to strive for better dental outcomes, but strong evidence suggested more still needed to be done.
“Affordable and accessible dental care in Tasmania is a real and worsening challenge, with the number of dentists in Tasmania falling short of the national average by 25 per cent, placing considerable pressure on access,” he said.
"St.LukesHealth has a long history of supporting oral health providers in Tasmania. Our entry into this market as a provider strengthens our commitment to both the industry and Tasmanians seeking access to essential oral healthcare.
“It is well understood that good oral health directly contributes to improved overall health outcomes, so we are deeply committed to ensuring that every Tasmanian can attain and sustain optimal oral health.
“By expanding the dental network, enhancing accessibility, and promoting affordability, we are taking significant steps towards making Tasmania a healthier place to live.”
ENDS
For more information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779.
Up to 100 Tasmanians set to avoid unnecessary surgeries
One hundred Tasmanians living with Osteoarthritis (OA) have signed up to a pilot program designed to prevent them from having avoidable hip or knee joint replacement surgery in the next 12 months.
OA is a chronic degenerative joint disease and a major cause of pain and disability for around 2.2 million Australians, anticipated to rise to 3.1 million by 2030.
St.LukesHealth Chief Health Officer, Luke Cameron, said the program was the first of its kind, not only for the organisation, but also for the state, providing an alternative to Tasmanians who had limited options other than surgery.
“We are thrilled to have launched this innovation, delivered in partnership with Kieser Australia – an allied health-led network of exercise scientists, exercise physiologists and physiotherapists,” Mr Cameron said.
“Joint replacement surgery is one of the major financial burdens on our hospital system and we know from Kieser programs conducted in Victoria and overseas that between 60-75 per cent of participants have managed to avoid surgery.
“The program is just one of the ways we’re working towards our vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island in the world, not only benefiting those who participate, but importantly easing the load on our state’s health system.
“Not only will the pilot provide another option for clinicians and patients who don’t want to either recommend or undergo surgery, but it will also deliver findings that can inform and facilitate the further development of alternative care models.
“This has the potential to take immense pressure off the hospital system, but most importantly, it empowers participants to regain control of their own condition and maintain a better quality of life.”
The program has been custom developed to improve participants’ condition through physiotherapy, exercise, strength development and education, in a safe and supervised environment.
Importantly, it also aims to reduce their pain levels and improve their ability to undertake and enjoy everyday activities, providing them with a long-term self-management program.
Case Study – Mark Newell started the program in December and completed it on March 14.
“The results have been amazing, and I have been recommending the program, and Kieser, to as many people as possible. I have also taken up a membership, to continue to build the strength needed to cope with my Osteoarthritis.
“My pain has dropped considerably (I would say by around 60% since I started), and I am feeling good. If the doctor had suggested surgery when I first went to see her, I would have jumped at the chance. Now, no way!
“St.LukesHealth needs to be highly commended for such a great initiative as this.”
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St.LukesHealth survey reveals high levels of vaping concern
The exclusive survey, conducted by St.LukesHealth, also found 95 per cent of people surveyed were concerned about vaping as a health issue, with almost 80 per cent stating they were “very concerned”.
St.LukesHealth CEO Paul Lupo said the organisation had been urging policymakers to take note of growing community concern, take a stand and ban vaping and vaping products.
“We have a once-in-a-generation chance to do the right thing by our kids and make sure Big Tobacco doesn’t find another way to trap people into a lifetime of addiction, chronic disease and premature death,” Mr Lupo said.
“Our survey gives clear evidence that people are worried and want to see vapes banned, so governments need to take heed and stop allowing these products to fall into the hands, mouths and lungs of our children.”
Mr Lupo said he welcomed recent comments from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler about the harm vaping was doing to young people and urged him to take strong action.
“If we are serious about improving the health of Australians, if we are serious about not wanting our children to come to harm, if we are serious about not having our health policies dictated by Big Tobacco, now is the time for strong action,” he said.
“Stopping a new generation from becoming addicted to another harmful product, with all the social and economic benefits that would bring, should be Minister Butler’s and the Federal Government’s legacy.”
Mr Lupo said St.LukesHealth had made a submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration regarding regulation of vaping products.
“St.LukesHealth wants vaping products gone. The only place we see they potentially may have a role is under prescription to assist a smoker to overcome a tobacco addiction, in cases where other methods have not been successful.” he said.
“Good health policy isn’t always easy, but this is about our kids and what may happen to them if vapes are allowed to proliferate, creating yet another market for Big Tobacco and all the poor health outcomes that go with it.
“Mr Butler made all the right noises last week. For the sake of young Tasmanians, let’s hope he turns those words into action.”
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