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Heart health advocacy

About us

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Heart health advocacy

We advocate for policy change that improves heart health across Australia.

Our advocacy work focuses on practical ways to improve heart health, including how to prevent heart disease by knowing your individual risks and healthy lifestyle choices.

We understand that heart health is impacted by a range of interconnected social and health issues.

Through all our advocacy work, we drive forward our 25-year vision, which is that heart health will be achievable by everyone in Australia by 2050. From state-based initiatives to national policy submissions, we advocate for solutions that will help prevent heart disease and ensure better heart health for everybody in Australia.

Our recent advocacy wins
  • Secured a three year extension of funding the Medicare Heart Health Check.
  • Strengthened tobacco and e-cigarette control legislation.
  • Continued Australian Government investment in the Heart Foundation’s National Walking Initiative.
  • Secured Australian Government investment for remote community laundries as a way to help reduce incidence of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Our advocacy and partnerships

Heart Foundation staff posing for a photo on a fundraising hike
Heart health submissions to Government

Every day we are advocating to government and industry to improve heart health.

A group of people and a heart mascot jumping for joy on the beach.
State based advocacy

Every day in each state and territory, we are advocating to government and industry to improve heart health.

Heart Foundation team member smiling while at a volunteer event.
Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance

The Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) brings together five leading non-government health organisations to prevent chronic disease in Australia.

Two Heart Foundation staff at AgFest in Tasmania

Tasmania Election Statement

As the snap Tasmanian state election approaches, we're calling for parties and candidates to commit to three actions to tackle the state’s biggest killer: heart disease.

Influencing change through advocacy

smoking-tobacco-packet
Smoking, tobacco and e-cigarette regulation

Smoking rates are coming down in Australia but there are still more than 20,000 deaths caused by smoking every year.

World map in heart-shaped hands on a beach, symbolizing love for global unity and exploration.
Environment, climate change and heart health

Information on how air pollution, heatwaves and bushfires can impact heart health, and what you can do to look after yourself.

A First Nations man wearing a red shirt is positioned in front of a washing machine.
Remote Laundries project

The Heart Foundation and Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) have joined forces to enable people access to washing facilities, which helped reduce the spread of scabies infections by up to 60%.

Improving heart health through policy change and investments

A red automated electronic defibrillator AED alongside a red heartbeat line and the text 'Shockingly Simple'
Shockingly Simple

Learn what an AED is and what you can do during a cardiac arrest.

A bustling cityscape with pedestrians strolling amidst towering buildings, accompanied by a majestic clock tower in the background.
Built environment and heart health

Resources available to help guide in the development and advocacy for healthy, active places and spaces

A man and woman cooking in their home kitchen, the man is pointing to a recipe on his tablet.
Food standards and nutrition for heart health

Explore the Heart Foundation’s submissions on food standards and nutrition for heart health.

Are you a policymaker? We need your help.

Together, we can make Australia the world’s heart healthiest nation.

We need your voice, in Parliament, in the media, and in your community to amplify the vital work of the Heart Foundation. By sharing our message with your networks, you can help us reach more people and make a greater impact.

Explore our free, downloadable resources

Our free, downloadable resources can help you promote heart health in your community. Whether it’s at your office, a local event, on social media, or in newsletters, we have useful tools like posters, educational materials, and graphics.

Share our content or posts with your networks or create your own posts and tag the Heart Foundation.

  • Facebook: @heartfoundationau
  • Instagram: @heartfoundationau
  • X: @heartfoundation
  • TikTok: @heartfoundationau
  • LinkedIn: @HeartFoundation
  • YouTube: @HeartFoundationAus

To join or promote your local walking group, visit walking.heartfoundation.org.au.

Active Australia Innovation Challenge funds innovative, community-led ideas that get people moving.

Healthy Active by Design promotes urban design that makes it easier for people in Australia to be more active.

Heart Health Checks provide critical insights into people’s heart health to prevent a heart attack or stroke before they occur. To help more Australians understand and reduce their risk of heart disease, the Heart Foundation campaigned to introduce and retain Medicare support for the Heart Health Check.

Jump Rope for Heart is a fun, school-based skipping challenge that inspires kids to get active, learn healthy habits, and support life-saving heart research.

MyHeart MyLife is the Heart Foundation’s free 12-week tailored digital support program to help people living with heart disease lead healthier, happier lives.

The Shockingly Simple campaign is a national initiative to increase public awareness, accessibility, and confidence in using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Find out about heart health in your area

Latest news and events

Two Heart Foundation staff at AgFest in Tasmania
Heart Foundation calls for vital election commitments for Tasmania

As the snap Tasmanian state election approaches, the Heart Foundation is calling for all parties and candidates to commit to three key actions to tackle the state’s biggest killer: heart disease.

Close up of a Police vehicle
Removal of defibrillators by NSW Police puts lives at risk

Why removing defibrillators from police cars is a dangerous mistake. By David Lloyd, Heart Foundation CEO

Teenagers vaping and drinking outdoors
A new era of advocacy on smoking and vaping

Partnership ushers in a new era of advocacy to combat the unwelcome influence of tobacco and vape industries in Australia