The field of public health generally encompasses those organised efforts of society which focus on the whole population and aim to protect or promote health and well-being, or prevent ill health, injury, disability or disease. Public health embraces a wide-range of activities, carried out by many organisations in our society, by people with a variety of different backgrounds and skills.
Public health has a proud history in New South Wales and can point to many successes.
Many changes have occurred in the field of public health since the last comprehensive review was undertaken. As we approach a new millenium, it is timely to examine ways in which we can further strengthen the public health effort in New South Wales. The Chief Health Officer, who has primary responsibility for public health in New South Wales, has initiated a project to identify future directions for public health. This project complements the work undertaken for Strategic Directions for Health 1998-2003 and will determine the directions taken in public health over the next five years. The purpose of the consultation paper is to set the scene and provide a context within which organisations and individuals who have an interest in public health in New South Wales can contribute to the development of these future directions.