Joint media release: Consultation on Australia's first National Health and Climate Strategy now open

The Albanese Government is developing Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy, to ensure the nation’s health system can meet the needs of Australians in the face of a changing climate.

The Strategy will establish a three-year plan of action to better prepare for the health challenges presented by climate change, including more frequent and severe weather events, extreme temperatures, and poor air quality.

The Strategy will identify priority areas for action to reduce carbon emissions in the health and aged care sectors, as well as managing the impacts of climate change to ensure all Australians continue to access good quality health and aged care.

In developing the strategy the government is seeking community views on the key questions being considered as part of the strategy. Following expert roundtables convened around the country by the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Ged Kearney MP, a discussion paper has been developed and is available here.

Feedback will be collected through an online survey, written submissions, and targeted consultations with stakeholder groups. 

The Paper  is available for feedback until 24 July 2023. 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP:

“It’s been a privilege to hear from experts across the country on how best to address the health impacts of climate change – and now is your chance to have your say.

“The World Health Organisation has described climate change as the greatest threat to public health in the 21st century.

“We’re listening to the experts and advocacy groups, and importantly the voices of First Nations communities as we develop the National Health and Climate Strategy.

“Climate change poses a range of threats to our health and wellbeing, from more frequent extreme weather events to changes in disease profiles as well as food and water insecurity.

“I urge everyone concerned about how climate change will affect our health to read the National Health and Climate Strategy consultation paper and provide feedback.”
 
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator Jenny McAllister

“After a decade of inaction and dysfunction, the Albanese Government is committed to acting on climate change and adaptation. 

“The impacts of climate change are already being experienced by communities across the country, including more very hot days, more intense rain fall, and warmer average temperatures. 

“We need to understand and prepare for the changes to come. That’s why the Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, National Adaptation Plan and the National Health and Climate Strategy.”