Healthy Futures, alongside leading health and climate experts, is calling on the Australian Government to commit $1.5 million in the 2025/2026 budget to fund feasibility studies for the electrification of nine hospitals across Australia.
The proposal, supported by Federal MPs Dr Sophie Scamps, Dr Helen Haines, Zali Steggall, Kylea Tink, Allegra Spender, Dr Monique Ryan and Senator David Pocock aims to help Australia's healthcare sector, which contributes 7% of the country's total emissions, transition to a cleaner and more resilient future.
The proposal has also received the endorsement of key medical colleges and health organisations, including:
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
The Royal Australasian Colleges of Physicians (RACP)
The Australian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM)
The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA)
Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA)
The Australian Federation of Medical Women (AFMW)
The proposal seeks to pilot the Electric Hospital Retrofit Program across nine hospitals in VIC, NT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and WA. These hospitals will undergo feasibility studies to estimate costs, savings and emissions reductions, serving as a model for nationwide adaptation. Given the diversity of hospital types, locations and services in Australia, the studies will offer critical insights, helping to prioritise future electrification efforts and ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
Ursula Alquier, Healthy Hospitals Campaigner, stated:
"Electrifying hospitals is critical to meeting Australia's net zero targets. The health sector not only faces significant emissions from outdated energy systems, but also needs climate resilience in the face of extreme weather events. This pilot program is the first step toward creating safer, healthier and more sustainable healthcare facilities across the country."
Key outcomes of the program would include substantial emissions reductions—estimated at 14,000 tonnes of CO2 annually—through the replacement of fossil gas systems, solar energy installation, battery storage and other energy-efficient technologies. These retrofits are also expected to generate cost savings for the healthcare sector and enhance the resilience of hospital infrastructure, particularly in rural and First Nations communities.
Bob Wilson, National Leader in Energy & Sustainability at Lucid Consulting, Australia commented:
"All-electric hospitals are healthier for our communities, cost less to run, allow the transition to zero emissions, and can be more resilient than fossil-powered alternatives. They unlock operating cost savings, which can be spent on better healthcare. This pilot program is a critical first step and will provide much needed information to help us deliver better healthcare systems in the future."
The proposal will be presented to the federal government ahead of the March 2025 budget. Healthy Futures, along with its partners, urges swift action to ensure the initiative is included as part of Australia's broader climate and health strategy.
Key Hospitals in the Electric Hospital Retrofit Program:
Echuca Regional Health (VIC)
Gove District Hospital (NT)
Broome Health Campus (WA)
Kurri Kurri Hospital (NSW)
Blue Mountains Hospital (NSW)
Modbury Hospital (SA)
New Norfolk District Hospital (TAS)
Redland Hospital (QLD)
The studies will provide a critical foundation for health sector electrification, offering detailed insights into how Australia's healthcare infrastructure can transition away from fossil fuels. With growing support from healthcare workers, unions and local communities, this program has the potential to set the standard for sustainable healthcare.
