The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes the National Climate and Health Strategy released this week to address health and wellbeing impacts of climate change.

The APA supports the Federal Government’s ambitious plan for a health in all policies, whole-of-government approach to building climate-resilient and sustainable health sector and communities.

“As we enter an El Nino summer with expected high temperatures and very real bushfire risk, the Strategy must be implemented as a matter of urgency,” APA National President Scott Willis said.

“Physiotherapists, like other healthcare professionals, are experiencing the impacts of climate change on the health of their environments, patients, professional practices and workplaces, particularly in Australia’s disaster affected areas.

“They are seeing increasing numbers of people affected by heat stress and respiratory conditions relating to our rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

“It is vital to build a resilient, de-carbonised health care sector, including primary care, equipped to deal with the challenges of our changing climate and support communities across the country.

“Safeguarding human health is fundamental to adapting to climate change and, the healthcare workforce needs to ensure it can continue to deliver quality care across Australia if we are to address this global threat.

“First Nations’ stewardship and wisdom is fundamental to protecting our environment and ensuring a holistic approach to managing climate challenges and it is pleasing to see this acknowledged in the Strategy,” he said.

The APA looks forward to working the Federal Government to meet its aims, ensure ongoing delivery of quality care amid exacerbation of workforce shortages, service delivery challenges in extreme weather event affected areas, and to support the healthcare workforce to adapt net zero practices and emission reduction measures, and climate change mitigation practices.

-ENDS-

Scott Willis is available for further comment.

For further information, please contact Claire Macuz-Witte, Media and Public Relations Manager:

M (61) 0434 815 674
E APA.media@australian.physio