Advocating for healthy hearts throughout Australia
We're addressing the disparities in heart health so all Australians can live longer, healthier lives.
The Heart Foundation is dedicated to making a real difference to the heart health of all Australians and breaking down disparities. This includes advocating to government and industry for legislative enhancements to infrastructure, accessibility to heart health care for all Australians, policy improvements plus funding for world-class cardiovascular research.
Advocacy at the Heart Foundation involves:
- Making submissions to government with cost-effective initiatives to address gaps in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, support and care and research for heart health.
- Advocating for health system enhancements to reduce absolute risk for heart disease, plus improve accessibility and rehabilitation attendance management for all Australians.
- Prioritising the eradication of rheumatic disease predominantly amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through increased funding for prevention, treatment and research programs.
- Amplifying education and restrictions on tobacco and e-cigarette sale, consumption and advertising.
- Obesity, Food and Nutrition advocacy for legislative changes, for consumers to have the tools and knowledge to make healthy choices and access for disadvantaged communities with subsidies for remote communities.
- Advocating for healthier living environments with physical activity through planning, built environments and transport solutions for schools, workplaces and communities in both metro, regional environments.
Our day-to-day advocacy activity
Ongoing work is done through the Heart Foundation advocacy government submissions. These proposals provide a suite of practical policy proposals to bridge the gaps in the current legislation and budget to aid accessibility to all Australians including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands as well as enhance the services and support available for preventing, treating and managing cardiovascular disease.The Heart Foundation Advocacy and Public Policy Team advocates on behalf of researchers, clinicians, health professionals and consumers to improve the heart health of all Australians. The team is made up of national and state-based staff located across the country, working together with CEOs and our health team, to implement the advocacy goals in our One Heart strategy through targeted strategies that may include:
- Meetings with ministers, members of parliament, government departments and stakeholders
- Presenting evidence at government inquiries and making submissions on important issues relating to heart health
- Preparation of comprehensive national and state-based budget submissions highlighting priorities in heart health
- Policy development including the identification of issues, analysis of evidence, consultation, formulation and implementation
- Advocating for heart health policies and programs in the lead up to elections
- Development of publications and position statements, commissioning and publishing research, media campaigns and events.
Personal Walking Plan
Personal Walking Plan
Personal Walking Plan
Feel healthier and happier in six weeks with a free Personal Walking Plan...
Trek for Australian Hearts
Trek for Australian Hearts
Trek for Australian Hearts
Join the Heart Foundation in South Australia for the journey of a lifetime, trekking the ancient Flinders Ranges to help save Australian hearts....
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Join our community of fundraisers who are committed to taking action to fight heart disease....
Are you at risk of heart disease?
Are you at risk of heart disease?
Are you at risk of heart disease?
There is no single cause for any one heart condition, but there are risk factors that increase your chance of developing one. ...
Heart Foundation Recovery Support and Resources
Heart Foundation Recovery Support and Resources
Heart Foundation Recovery Support and Resources
Heart Foundation programs and resources to support your recovery....
Support us and help save Australian hearts
Support us and help save Australian hearts
Support us and help save Australian hearts
Join the fight against Australia’s biggest killer by supporting the Heart Foundation. ...
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Support for young adults: Online events
Support for young adults: Online events
Support for young adults: Online events
A series of virtual events for young adults on managing emotional wellbeing. ...
Aboriginal heart health
Aboriginal heart health
Aboriginal heart health
Visit the St Vincents Hospital NSW and Heart Foundation Aboriginal heart health website for more information...
Kylie defied the heart attack stereotypes
Kylie defied the heart attack stereotypes
Kylie defied the heart attack stereotypes
Cardiac rehabilitation was a turning point for Kylie and essential to her heart failure recovery....
Research connect newsletter
Research connect newsletter
Research connect newsletter
The Research Connect Newsletter provides monthly updates on the Heart Foundation Research Program....
Stay informed about COVID-19
Stay informed about COVID-19
Stay informed about COVID-19
If you have heart disease, you are more vulnerable to severe complications....
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)
Clinical information and links to SCAD resources....
Food and healthy eating during COVID-19
Food and healthy eating during COVID-19
Food and healthy eating during COVID-19
Healthy eating and COVID-19 FAQ...
Is salt bad for your heart?
Is salt bad for your heart?
Is salt bad for your heart?
Most Australians are eating more than the recommended amounts and this can cause health problems....
Supporting SA cardiac patients and health professionals with free resources
Supporting SA cardiac patients and health professionals with free resources
Supporting SA cardiac patients and health professionals with free resources
We want to make it easier for South Australians to lead heart-healthy lives....
Philanthropic investments
Philanthropic investments
Philanthropic investments
Making philanthropic investments through the Heart Foundation can transform Australians’ health. ...
Heart Health Check Toolkit – Register Your Interest
Heart Health Check Toolkit – Register Your Interest
Heart Health Check Toolkit – Register Your Interest
The Heart Foundation will soon be launching a Heart Health Check Toolkit for GPs, practice nurses and practice managers....
Smoking and your heart
Smoking and your heart
Smoking and your heart
Understand how smoking can impact your heart health. ...
Supporting Your Emotional Wellbeing: An Online Forum for Young Heart Patients
Supporting Your Emotional Wellbeing: An Online Forum for Young Heart Patients
Supporting Your Emotional Wellbeing: An Online Forum for Young Heart Patients
Fit, active and healthy – Sharon wasn’t expecting a heart attack
Fit, active and healthy – Sharon wasn’t expecting a heart attack
Fit, active and healthy – Sharon wasn’t expecting a heart attack
Fit, active and healthy, Sharon wasn’t expecting a heart attack. However, after experiencing a ‘widow maker’, she counts herself lucky....
Help others in need through a gift in your Will
Help others in need through a gift in your Will
Help others in need through a gift in your Will
Ian “did not hesitate” to leave 100% of his estate to the Heart Foundation....
Managing your funding
Managing your funding
Managing your funding
Resources to help manage your grant, scholarship or fellowship....
Seafood recipes
Seafood recipes
Seafood recipes
Find heart healthy seafood recipes...
Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance
Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance
Alliance with chronic disease prevention stakeholders...
Physical activity resources
Physical activity resources
Physical activity resources
Resources for health professionals interested in physical activity....
What is a healthy body weight?
What is a healthy body weight?
What is a healthy body weight?
Find out what a healthy body weight is and the steps you can take to achieve it. ...
What is a cardiac arrest?
What is a cardiac arrest?
What is a cardiac arrest?
With immediate help a cardiac arrest can be survived. Learn how to save a life....
Heart health information in your language
Heart health information in your language
A selection of heart health information brochures in a range languages...
Physical activity and your heart health
Physical activity and your heart health
Physical activity and your heart health
Physical activity and exercise can benefit your heart, body and mind....