Local health professionals are urging politicians to consider climate impacts on the health of Western Australians in the lead up to the Federal Election.
Not only has WA just had its hottest summer on record but Perth sweated through an unseasonal Autumn heatwave in March.
With recent research projecting heat-related deaths in Perth could rise by more than 60% by 2050, Doctors for the Environment Australia is highlighting the issue.
The group hosted a public forum on the issue on March 28, the same day Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the Federal Election for 3 May.
Dr Richard Yin, Board director Doctors for the Environment Australia and WA spokesperson, said doctors saw firsthand how the changing climate was taking its toll on communities.
“Heatwaves, floods and storms, bushfires and bushfire smoke, and drought are increasing the risks of heart attacks, cancers, asthma, infectious diseases, kidney disease and mental illness,” he said.
“Long after a natural disaster ends, its social and mental impacts will continue to impact the health of people in WA for years.
“In particular, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, children and marginalised populations will be disproportionately affected.
“The effects will also put additional pressure on our already overburdened healthcare system.”
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The WA Department of Health has projected heat-related hospital admissions and ED presentations could lead to an estimated $30.6 million increase in healthcare costs.
Dr Yin called for more ambitious emissions reduction targets and the phasing out of “our dependence on coal, gas and oil”.
“WA is currently the only State without an emissions reduction target and our emissions continue to rise, driven largely by our gas exports, and there are plans for further gas expansion through the North-West Shelf extension,” he said.
“Addressing climate pollution should be viewed as a public health act.”
The recent public forum was co-hosted by Doctors for the Environment Australia, the RACGP and the Public Health Association of Australia.
Candidates for the Federal seat of Curtin were invited and those present spoke about their positions on environmental issues that have potential to impact on public health.
The forum was attended by Independent MP Kate Chaney, Labor candidate Dr Viktor Ko and Greens candidate Kitty Hemsley.
While Liberals candidate Tom White was invited, he did not attend.
The RACGP is calling on all political parties to commit to fully funding the implementation of the National Health and Climate Strategy.
The strategy was released by the Federal Government in 2023 and highlights the urgent need to build the climate resilience of communities and the health system.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said climate change is not just a hypothetical concept.
“The world is already feeling the effects of climate change and we are paying the price with our health and homes,” he said.
Research has found climate change has increased cardiovascular, respiratory vector-borne illnesses, neurological disorders and mental health.
“Health is firmly at the centre of the agenda at the upcoming federal election, and if political parties are serious about committing to protect the health of everyone in Australia, action on climate change is non-negotiable,” Dr Wright added.
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Ainslee Sartori, WA branch President of the Public Health Association of Australia, said the next Federal Government must commit to following the lead of the WA Government by investing 5% of its health budget to prevention and appointing a preventative health minister.
So far, while energy policy and its impact on household budgets has been a focus in the lead up to the Federal Election, climate change has not been spoken of at great length.
Political analysts have suggested the matter may not be as much of a priority as it has been in the past, as many Australians deal with the day-to-day challenges associated with the current cost of living crisis.
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