The Medical Technology Association of Australia has joined ten other organisation in making a joint statement in advance of Victorian state election calling on all political parties to back the health industry.
The Victorian election will take place on 24 November with the Andrews Labor government seeking re-election.
In the statement, the 11 organisations have called for the adoption of policies that recognise and develop the health industry as an economic priority for Victoria.
The statement emphasises the strength and competitive advantages of the Victorian health industry, based on health and medical research, biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, digital health, healthcare delivery, global health and health services.
The industry contributes more than $30 billion to the state's economy and is its largest and fastest-growing source of employment.
According to the organisations, a whole of government economic development strategy for the health industry is needed, that aligns policy areas across health, innovation, start-ups, STEM education and training, health and medical research, clinical trials, industry, advanced manufacturing and health services.
The health industry signatories to the joint statement also include AusBiotech, BioMelbourne Network, Biomedical Research Victoria, AAMRI, Global Health Alliance Melbourne, Research Australia, ANDHelath, Medicines Australia, ARCS and Victorian Infection and Immunity Network.
"Accelerating the growth of Victoria’s health industry will generate a range of economic and health benefits including increased export revenue, employment growth, more efficient health services and better patient outcomes," says the statement.
"The outcome for Victoria is a health industry that can drive economic growth and bring healthcare solutions to patients faster, creating a state of health and prosperity for Victorians.
"A strong health industry provides the foundation to develop deeper strategic partnerships between health, research, business and government, creating closer alignment between industry development and future healthcare needs."