18 September 2025
Australia’s peak body for public health has condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, which the United Nations has recognised as a genocide, and urged the Australian Government to take all steps to help end the conflict.
The Public Health Association of Australia has also supported call from the World Federation of Public Health Associations, of which the PHAA is a member, for an immediate ceasefire and restoration of Gaza’s health system.
The Australian association has also written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the conflict, and also passed a resolution at its Annual General Meeting held this week.
“Health organisations around the world are horrified at the devastation to lives and livelihoods, and the impact of starvation on the people in Gaza,” Public Health Association of Australia CEO, Adj Prof Terry Slevin said.
“People around the world urge all the decision makers, in particular the Israeli Government, to cease this devastating aggression.”
The resolution, passed at the PHAA Annual General Meeting on 16 September, says in part that PHAA condemns the "immediate and long-term damage to the physical and social environment in Gaza.”
For further information/comment:
Paris Lord (he/him), PHAA Communications & Media Manager, 0478 587 917, [email protected]
About the Public Health Association of Australia
We’re Australia's peak body for public health and advocate for the health and wellbeing of everyone. We strive to help prevent – rather than cure – illness and disease. We represent around 2,000 individual members from more than 40 professional groups interested in the promotion of public health. We have branches in every state and territory. Learn more at https://www.phaa.net.au/