The public health workforce is as diverse as are its employers: there is no single or all encompassing occupation or industry group. 'general health and associated workers' who carry out aspects of public health functions on either a regular or occasional basis. 10 Some public health activities are carried out in sectors outside of health (e.g. local government, non-government organisations (NGOs), other government departments and agencies, including planning and environmental protection agencies). Some 'classic' public health functions are outsourced and funded well away from health and human services portfolios (e.g. sewage disposal, provision of safe potable water).