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 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.
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