'We ain’t seen nothin’ yet'

While there are measurable returns on early child development programs this will not convince those delivering “health” services in the valley, because the returns do not mature for years (pdf file 183KB) and because these programs go beyond preventing illness and injury to reducing, for example, crime, and drug and alcohol misuse (pdf file 145KB).

This is one of many reasons that Departments of Prevention need to be strategically placed, with funding ring-fenced, at the top (of the cliff). As it is a whole of government response to upstream prevention (pdf file 1.24MB) that is required, including the administration of health impact assessments. The responsibility for such a department should be at the very top i.e. the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet at the Australian government level and the Premiers’ Departments at state level.

This is the prevention fence that needs to be built. If all Australians are involved in a debate about its value and assist in its construction, there will be hope for success. Although the initial outlay will be high, "the best possible course is to safeguard the source", as the cost of not doing so will not only mean we need more ambulances in the valley, but also more jails, hospitals and rehabilitation centres.

It is at the top - together with the community as an empowered partner - that a vision should emanate to give young Australians a sense of hope for a healthier future that could otherwise elude them.