Ahead of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, doctors are calling on the Albanese Government to treat climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution as urgent health priorities.
Doctors for the Environment Australia spokesperson, Dr Rob Ferris says, "Fossil fuels are behind these interconnected triple crises which are putting human health and the environment under immense strain.
"Australians are experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, fires and smoke, droughts, extreme weather events, floods and storms, as well as the loss of infrastructure, pressure on health and emergency services, food and water insecurity, displacement of people, and increased cost of living.
"At the same time, biodiversity loss is undermining the natural framework that supports human health.
"Every dollar used to prop up the fossil fuel industry, which is largely causing these crises, is a dollar not spent reducing the very real risks of the escalating dangers of a hot planet.
"This Budget is a chance to accelerate the move away from polluting coal, gas and oil and increase investment in clean, safe, renewable energy.
"Smart investment now in health and the environment will save lives—today and into the future."
DEA calls on the Australian Government to:
1. Withdraw all fossil fuels subsidies, and support the uptake of renewables.
2. Mandate and properly fund independent Health Impact Assessments for energy projects.
3. Support and restore our threatened ecosystems by ensuring our 30x30 commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework, enacting the High Seas Treaty, and stopping deforestation.
4. Prepare the health and aged care sector to meet the health challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, implement the National Health and Climate Strategy, and train the health and aged care workforce.
The Federal Budget will be handed down on Tuesday 12 May.
