Skip to content
Government QLD, Medical Health Aged Care

EMBARGOED: Heart Foundation Calls on next Queensland Government to Prioritise Heart Health in 2024 Election

The Heart Foundation 2 mins read

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

Media

More from this category

  • Medical Health Aged Care
  • 11/02/2025
  • 12:08
Cancer Australia

Inaugural First Nations Cancer Scholarship recipients announced today

The Albanese Labor Government today announced the recipients of the inaugural round of the First Nations Cancer Scholarships, which provides financial support to Indigenous postgraduate students engaged in cancer-related studies or research. Funded through Cancer Australia and led by the Aurora Foundation, these scholarships are part of a $5.9 million, four-year commitment to expand the pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people actively involved in cancer policy making, research and care delivery. Cancer is a key contributor to the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people…

  • Medical Health Aged Care
  • 11/02/2025
  • 12:08
Cancer Australia

Inaugural First Nations Cancer Scholarship recipients announced today

The Albanese Labor Government today announced the recipients of the inaugural round of the First Nations Cancer Scholarships, which provides financial support to Indigenous postgraduate students engaged in cancer-related studies or research. Funded through Cancer Australia and led by the Aurora Foundation, these scholarships are part of a $5.9 million, four-year commitment to expand the pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people actively involved in cancer policy making, research and care delivery. Cancer is a key contributor to the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people…

  • Medical Health Aged Care, Women
  • 11/02/2025
  • 07:10
Breast Cancer Network Australia

Australian women denied knowledge of BREAST DENSITY and their increased breast cancer risk

11th February 2025 Fact: Approximately 10% of women have high breast density, which significantly increases the risk of developing breast cancer and impacts the effectiveness of detecting breast cancer through 2D mammography. Despite this, thousands of Australian women are being denied this important information due to the absence of national reporting standards and a lack of software in publicly funded screening services that can effectively measure breast density. Western Australia and South Australia routinely notify women of their breast density. Queensland is currently conducting trials, Victoria is expected to report breast density to all clients by early 2025 and New…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.