WHEN: 8.30am - 9:30am, Thursday 28th November 2024
WHERE: Victorian Parliament Steps, Spring St, Melbourne
WHAT: Healthcare workers and concerned community members will gather on Victorian Parliament Steps to send the Victorian Government a strong message that continued use of gas cooktops in homes is harmful to health and leaving vulnerable Victorians behind.
An open letter is being delivered to Premier Allan addressing the urgent health issues of gas cook-tops and why we need faster action to ensure renters, and low-income residents aren't left behind in the electrification transition. The open letter is signed by fifteen health and equity organisations and dozens of Victorian health and community service workers.
Images and video will be available on the day, by request.
WHO: Delegates from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Healthy Futures will speak at the Victorian Parliament Steps.
Available for interview:
- Dr Aadhil Aziz, Council Member of the Royal Australian College of GPs Victorian Branch
- Dr Harry Jennens, GP and Co-Founder of Healthy Futures
CONTACT: Ari Pickering: 0466 829 599
Key Facts:
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Asthma: Gas cooktops increase the likelihood of children developing asthma by around 30%, comparable to exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke.
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Leukaemia: Burning gas releases benzene, a toxin known to increase risk of leukaemia.
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Climate impacts: Gas combustion contributes to climate change, which is increasingly recognized as a public health emergency. Between 2006 and 2017 an estimated 36,000 people in Australia died as a result of exposure to high temperatures.
About us:
Healthy Futures is campaigning for a world where communities can thrive with clean air, clean energy and a safe and safe climate. We are a not-for-profit organisation that engages and empowers health professionals, students and community members to protect health by reducing pollution and addressing climate change.
Contact details:
Ari Pickering: 0466 829 599