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 health submissions to Government
Every day we are advocating to government and industry to improve heart health.
State based advocacy
Every day in each state and territory, we are advocating to government and industry to improve heart health.
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.
Influencing change through advocacy
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.
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.
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
Shockingly Simple
Learn what an AED is and what you can do during a cardiac arrest.
Built environment and heart health
Resources available to help guide in the development and advocacy for healthy, active places and spaces
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.
Heart Foundation social handles
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
Heart Foundation Walking
Active Australia Innovation Challenge
Active Australia Innovation Challenge funds innovative, community-led ideas that get people moving.
Healthy Active by Design
Healthy Active by Design promotes urban design that makes it easier for people in Australia to be more active.
Heart Health Checks
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
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
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.
Shockingly Simple
The Shockingly Simple campaign is a national initiative to increase public awareness, accessibility, and confidence in using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Food and Nutrition
What we eat plays a big role in our heart health and poor diet is one of the main causes of heart disease. That’s why the Heart Foundation is working to make healthy eating choices easier for everyone, no matter where they live.
Find out about heart health in your area
- Heart Foundation Walking: Join a local walking group
- Community Walkability: Do you have a walkable neighbourhood? Check out our interactive map
- Heart Maps: Compare heart health statistics in your local area or state to national levels
Explore our advocacy in action
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.
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
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