Today I set off on the first leg of my Healthy State Tour, where I will be traveling Victoria by train and electric bike to talk to Victorians about health issues and draw attention to the importance of preventative and mental health. These issues often get short shrift in a debate that has focused too much on the funding arrangements for major hospitals. The Greens recognise the importance of a well-functioning hospital system, but if you can keep people healthy enough so they don't have to end up in hospital, then it's a win for patients - as well as the health budget. 

The start of the tour was noted in today's Age:

Taking it in his stride

AS THE Greens Senate candidate, Dr Richard Di Natale is reducing his greenhouse-gas emissions on the campaign trail. Today, he embarks on a 1526-kilometre, carbon-neutral tour of regional Victoria by train, electric bike and foot. No comfy cars or aeroplanes for the doctor during this one-month trek. Dr Di Natale estimates he will save 322.4 kilos of carbon emissions, but on the flipside he will expend tonnes of verbal emissions chatting to the locals about preventive health. By cycling and walking, he will burn 64,208 kilojoules but work up an appetite. If you see Dr Di Natale, give him a toot from your environmentally unfriendly car.

See the Healthy State Tour page for more information, and watch this space for updates and news from the road.