Heart Foundation calls for vital election commitments for Tasmania

Media release: Wednesday 7 July 2025

Heart of the Matter: Three key actions to improve Tasmanian heart health

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.

According to the Tasmanian Department of Health:

• 1,300 Tasmanians die each year from cardiovascular disease.
• In 2023, 8,850 people were hospitalised for heart related reasons.
• Tasmania has a 13% higher prevalence of heart disease than the national average.

The Heart Foundation is calling for investment in three cost-effective initiatives that will, with support from the next Tasmanian Government, ensure that everyone in the state can have the help they need to prevent, detect and/or manage their heart health.

The initiatives are:

1. Prevent: A targeted public awareness campaign for heart health
2. Treat: A fully funded and operated Northern Heart Centre
3. Manage: An expansion of the MyHeart MyLife digital support program

Quotes attributable to Heart Foundation CEO David Lloyd

The Heart Foundation is calling on the next Tasmanian Government to back a bold, lifesaving vision for heart health across the state. With heart disease remaining Tasmania’s leading cause of death, now is the time for decisive action and investment to turn the tide.

David Lloyd

Heart Foundation CEO

“These initiatives are aligned with the 2024 Tasmanian Cardiac Strategy’s approach to delivering change for Tasmanians and will help reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease for Tasmania’s people, health system and economy.”

“These initiatives are ready to go. All they need is the political will to make them a reality. We call on all parties—and especially the party that forms the next government—to commit to these vital heart health investments.”

Expanded information

All three Heart Foundation initiatives align with the Tasmanian Government’s Tasmanian Cardiac Strategy (2024):

A targeted public awareness campaign for heart health

The Heart Foundation is proposing a state-wide, multi-channel campaign tailored specifically for Tasmanians. Delivered across social, digital, print, radio, and at major events like AgFest, this campaign will raise awareness about heart health and encourage more people to visit their GP for a Medicare-subsidised Heart Health Check. This initiative will help reduce hospital admissions by promoting prevention and early detection.

Confirmation of complete financing for a fully-funded and operated Northern Heart Centre

The Northern Heart Centre at Launceston General Hospital has the potential to transform cardiac care in Northern Tasmania. With joint investment from the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, this project can guarantee:

• Complete construction and fit-out of the Centre, including a second cardiac catheterisation lab, 24-bed cardiac unit, and advanced diagnostic facilities.
• Operational funding for expanded services such as inpatient cardiology care, nurse-led clinics, and regional outreach.
• Invest in prevention and rehabilitation programs, including community-led initiatives and regional cardiac rehab services.

An expansion of the MyHeart MyLife digital support program

The Heart Foundation is seeking support to scale up its free, digital support program — MyHeart MyLife — to be tailored for Tasmanians living with heart disease. This includes:

• Tasmania-specific awareness campaigns to boost enrolment.
• Education and tools for health professionals to improve referrals and care.
• Tailored content for high-priority communities and a stronger peer support network.