EHA calls for stronger investment in Environmental Health – regardless of election outcome

BRISBANE, Australia - April 14, 2025 - PRLog -- As the Australian federal election approaches, Environmental Health Australia (EHA) is calling on all political parties to recognise the critical role Environmental Health plays in protecting the health and wellbeing of communities across the country.

"No matter which party forms the government, we hope to see real commitment to strengthening the Environmental Health sector," said EHA National President Melissa Burn. "From safe food and water to managing the impacts of climate change and responding to natural disasters, Environmental Health Officers are on the front lines of prevention every day."

EHA's pre-budget submission highlights key priorities for investment, including workforce development, improved data and research capacity, and dedicated funding to ensure all communities – including regional, rural and remote areas – have access to Environmental Health services.

"Environmental Health professionals are educated in the sciences and trained to risk assess all manners of Environmental Health issues, be it food safety, arboviruses disease, disease and disaster prevention, emergency management, indigenous health or vaping and tobacco control." said Ms Burn. "Strengthening the Environmental Health workforce will result in a proactive, long-term approach to improving health outcomes and reducing strain on the healthcare system, ultimately benefiting Australia's population and economy."

With growing pressures on the public health system, EHA urges all candidates and parties to recognise that preventive health begins with Environmental Health.

Read our full pre-budget position: https://www.eh.org.au/documents/item/1680