More political action is needed to tackle the health impacts of climate change – such as exposure to harmful emissions – according to an election scorecard and report released today by Australia's peak body on climate and health. The Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA), representing 47 health professions, quizzed major parties and independents on their commitment to safeguard health through climate action.
CAHA CEO Michelle Isles said: "In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, climate action isn't a luxury – it's essential. Strong climate policies can protect our health, safeguard our future and ease financial pressure."
Australia's three major parties were scored on 20 policy questions based on a Healthy, regenerative and just policy framework, as well as key policy priorities advocated for by CAHA and its 100 members.
The policies assessed fall under six categories;
Health promoting, emissions reductions policies
International obligations
Supporting healthy, resilient communities
A sustainable, climate resilient healthcare sector
Leadership, financing and governance
Social determinants of health
In addition to the major parties, CAHA also reached out to key independents for insights on their policies and priorities heading into the Federal Election and welcomed their broad support for ambitious climate action.
"Climate change is the biggest threat to health of our lifetime," Ms Isles said. "With this scorecard, we're shining a light on how federal parties are responding to that challenge. Australia deserves leaders who are serious about protecting our health, our communities and our future."
The Greens scored best overall with a thumbs-up for commitment in all the categories except for A sustainable, climate resilient healthcare sector, which no party achieved.
"Our analysis highlights where parties are showing leadership – and where urgent action is still needed – to protect community health, build climate resilience, and ensure a healthy, regenerative and just future for all people living in Australia"
The CAHA 2025 Federal Election Scorecard is a valuable tool for both voters and decision makers – offering insight into how political parties are preparing for the health impacts of climate change. This election is crucial for shaping Australia's response to a growing health and climate emergency. CAHA urges all parties to commit to ambitious, coordinated climate action which centres on health.
The Australian Labor Party, Australian Greens and independents Dr Monique Ryan, Andrew Wilkie, Helen Haines and Allegra Spender responded to our request to comment on the scorecard questions. The Federal Coalition did not prepare a response by the final deadline. The scorecard was finalised April 10, 2025 and analysis is current to the best of our knowledge up to this date.
