4 December 2023

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) welcomes the National Health and Climate Strategy released yesterday to improve the resilience of Australia’s healthcare system and promote population health and wellbeing.

Ahead of what is likely to be a record-breaking summer, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) calls for the National Health and Climate Strategy to be implemented immediately.

“If implemented fully, the National Climate and Health Strategy can save lives,” says RACP president Dr Jacqueline Small.

“The call for healthy and climate resilient communities is being answered and acted on, which is a great first step to ensuring a healthy climate future for our healthcare system and the populations it serves.

“We look forward to working with governments around Australia to implement this strategy.

“This strategy should not just tick a box. It needs long term funding and resourcing, commitment from governments at all levels, and a transparent governance and accountability structure to see it through.

“This is an opportunity to strengthen our communities and protect them from further harm from climate change.

“Indigenous knowledge and guidance are critical to the success of a national climate strategy. Implementation of the strategy will be stronger and more effective with First Nations leadership.

“A truly sustainable initiative supports the health of our environment and our workforce – one cannot be supported without the other.”