Next govt should promote and protect the health of all across state: peak bodies

26 August 2024

Joint media release from QLD branches of the Public Health Association of Australia and the Australian Health Promotion Association


Actions the next Queensland Government can take across five areas will lead to better health and wellbeing for people across the state, according to peak bodies representing the public health and health promotion professions.

The state branches of the Public Health Association of Australia and the Australian Health Promotion Association have today launched their Vote For Public Health election campaign.

Their platform areas are:

investment in preventive health

protecting women and children

taking bold action on climate change

supporting self-determination for First Nations’ health

building the public health and health promotion workforce  

"Keeping Queenslanders healthy and ensuring optimal wellbeing is maintained regardless of where people live takes investment and effort,” Public Health Association of Australia QLD Branch President, Assoc Prof Amie Steel said.

"We encourage all candidates contesting the 26 October election to take seriously efforts to reduce the likelihood of people getting sick, because it will ease pressures on our hospitals and ambulances, and cost of living.

"That means measures like investing in preventive health, and tackling violence against women and children.

Assoc Prof Steel also said the excellent people working in Queensland's healthcare system need greater support, such as through creating a Public Health Officer Training Program.

"That results in clear career pathways for public health and health promotion professionals, and strengthens linkages between the healthcare sector and public health units,” she said.

Kym Strachan, Australian Health Promotion Association QLD Branch President, says the next state government also needs to reduce the pollution which is both making us sick and worsening the health harms from climate change, such as heatwaves.

"We also know that to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our state, we must empower First Nations communities to drive their own health priorities,” Ms Strachan said.

Note to media: 

The Vote For Public Health election campaign site features downloadable policy platforms and is available at https://voteforpublichealth.org/platform/ 
Both presidents are available for interviews.

Media Contact:
Paris Lord (he/him), Public Health Association of Australia Communications Manager, 0478 587 917 / [email protected]