Climate and Health Alliance have welcomed funding for action on climate in the 2023-24 federal budget, but said more is needed to unlock the health benefits associated with climate action.
Alliance chief executive Roland Sapsford said everyone in Australia, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, will benefit from a cleaner, healthier and more just world.
“We commend the substantial investment in social housing to improve energy performance, which will improve the health of residents without increasing carbon emissions,” Mr Sapsford said.
“We also commend the Commonwealth on its commitment to fund the establishment of a National Net Zero Authority and the Australian Centre for Disease Control in this year’s budget.
“We are, however, concerned that the budget does not provide much needed resources for the implementation of the National Health and Climate Strategy, expected later this year.”
Mr Sapsford said the alliance called for a commitment to tangible funding that will support the implementation of the strategy in its pre-budget submission.
“Funding like this is needed to ensure that action on climate change secures better health outcomes for all,” he said.
“Given the urgency of the climate crisis, we will be seeking clarification from the Commonwealth government on behalf of the health sector about whether the strategy can deliver timely action without a clear commitment of funds this financial year.”
