In my opinion, the Great Prevention Pivot workshop in Canberra, Australia, in June 2026, was a significant event that highlighted the critical need for investment in prevention across the full spectrum of health. The workshop brought together approximately 160 health leaders, clinicians, policymakers, researchers, and consumers to discuss the current state of prevention and explore initiatives for improving prevention in Australia. The participants were asked to prioritize their investments in six prevention domains: primordial prevention, social determinants of health, health protection, health promotion, early detection and intervention, and chronic disease management. The results were eye-opening and demonstrated the diversity of opinion regarding where investment is needed. The workshop also highlighted the importance of addressing the social determinants of health, such as access to education, housing stability, and culturally safe services for First Nations communities. In my view, this is a critical area for investment, as it can help to address the underlying social and economic factors that shape health outcomes. The participants also discussed the need for improved care coordination, evolving the national eHealth infrastructure, and enabling insights from data. They emphasized the importance of improved care capabilities, clarifying roles in the ecosystem, and accelerating digitisation across the sector. In my opinion, this is a crucial step towards improving the prevention system and reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases in Australia. Overall, the workshop was a valuable opportunity for health leaders and policymakers to come together and discuss the critical issues facing the prevention system in Australia. I believe that the insights and recommendations from the workshop will be instrumental in shaping the future of prevention in the country. Personally, I think that the workshop highlighted the need for a more holistic approach to prevention, one that addresses the underlying social and economic factors that shape health outcomes. I believe that by investing in the social determinants of health and improving care coordination, we can make significant progress towards a healthier Australia.
