Embargoed until 12am Wednesday 16 October, 2024
The Heart Foundation is urging all political parties and candidates to pledge their support for four decisive actions that will drastically ease the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on Queensland’s healthcare system.
Queensland faces a growing cardiovascular crisis, with CVD claiming 9,162 lives annually and costing the state $2.9 billion in direct healthcare costs. This election, the Heart Foundation is calling for commitments from all parties and candidates to reduce these figures by investing in critical initiatives.
The Heart Foundation calls on the next Queensland Government to back the following solutions:
1. Increase Preventive Health Investment
We call on the next Queensland Government to invest at least 5% of total health expenditure in preventive health measures. This is essential to reduce the high rates of CVD in the state, which is largely preventable through improved lifestyle choices and better health education. Increased funding for public awareness campaigns and initiatives on physical activity, smoking/vaping cessation, and nutrition is critical to this goal.
2. Expanding Access to life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and make them mandatory in large buildings and public places
We are seeking an $8 million investment over four years to expand the network of AEDs across Queensland. This includes a community grants program to equip every community and sporting facility with AEDs and an education campaign to raise awareness and confidence in their use. Immediate access to defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates from cardiac arrests. Queenslanders deserve the same access to lifesaving AEDs as other Australians, but we've fallen behind. That’s why we're calling on the next Queensland Government to commit to mandating AED installations in large buildings and public places, just as South Australia has done.
3. Invest in Cardiovascular Research
To lead the fight against heart disease, we urge the next Queensland Government to commit $50 million over five years towards groundbreaking cardiovascular research. This will enhance early detection, improve treatments, and drive better patient outcomes. Queensland is home to some of the country’s most talented researchers, but without adequate funding, we risk losing this talent to other states or countries. It is time for Queensland to be a leader in heart health research, attracting national and international recognition.
4. Improve First Nations Health
In partnership with the Aboriginal Investment Group, we are advocating for the expansion of the Remote Laundries Project—a First Nations-led initiative aimed at reducing the spread of scabies and rheumatic heart disease. We propose an investment of $13.8 million to roll out 10 remote laundries in communities in Northern Queensland. As shown by the laundries already established in the Northern Territory, this is a practical, community-driven solution to a serious health issue, while also creating jobs in communities.
Quotes attributable to Sheree Hughes, General Manager Queensland, Heart Foundation
“Queensland faces a growing cardiovascular crisis, with CVD claiming over 9,162 lives annually and costing the state $2.9 billion in direct healthcare costs.
“This election, the Heart Foundation is calling for commitments from all parties and candidates to reduce these figures by investing in critical initiatives.
“These strategic investments will save lives and reduce the strain on Queensland's healthcare system, preventing future generations from facing the same challenges. The time to act is now.”
Contact details:
Call Erin Marie on 0439 366 992
