As 2024 comes to a close, Healthy Futures reflects on a transformative year of achievements. Significant milestones across all our campaigns have advanced our efforts to build a healthier, more sustainable future. Highlights from the year include.

Solar Victory: $500 Million for Social Housing

A major win followed our Open Letter to Minister Chris Bowen and other policymakers. The federal government announced a $500 million investment in clean energy upgrades for social housing, benefiting 50,000 homes with solar panels, energy-efficient appliances and improved insulation. This marks a significant step forward in addressing climate change and energy equity.

Tackling Methane: Major Wins in Policy, Advocacy and Collaboration

Federal Achievements

• Successfully lobbied for enhanced methane measurement methods and secured funding for a new government body dedicated to methane emissions reductions.
• Facilitated over 100 emails from health professionals across Australia to Minister Bowen’s office advocating for transparent methane regulations.
• Held three high-impact meetings with Minister Bowen’s office, featuring representatives from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), the Royal Australian College of general Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM).
• Garnered support from 15 leading medical colleges and organisations for our methane initiatives.
• Published Australia’s first methane and climate report, generating international attention.

Corporate Advocacy

• Engaged health superannuation funds, prompting reviews of methane-related holdings.
• Presented at the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors, reaching over 10 major funds.
• Coordinated with Market Forces to address methane issues at over 40 superannuation member meetings.

Building Stronger Connections

Methane advocacy strengthened ties with key stakeholders, including government bodies, medical organisations and civil society groups such as the Climate Council, Solar Citizens and Market Forces.

All-Electric Healthy Hospitals: Pioneering Climate-Resilient Healthcare

• Launched the All-Electric Healthy Hospitals Campaign with endorsements from organisations such as the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), Climate & Health Alliance (CAHA), the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM).
• Engaged policymakers in Canberra, including meetings with the offices of Chris Bowen and Ged Kearney.
• Secured public endorsements from seven federal independent MPs and senators: Dr Sophie Scamps, Dr Helen Haines, Zali Steggall, Dr Monique Ryan, Allegra Spender, Kylea Tink and David Pocock.
• Submitted a federal budget request for feasibility studies across nine pilot hospitals in the 2025 budget.
• Launched a national hospital workers survey to explore how retrofitting can enhance climate resilience in healthcare.

Victorian Gas Campaign: Advocating for Health and Equity

• Delivered a letter to Premier Allan, signed by over 15 organisations, urging action on the health and equity issues tied to gas cooktops.
• Organised a successful Parliament Steps action on November 28, highlighting the disproportionate impact of gas-related health risks on renters, social housing residents and low-income households.

NSW Gas Phase-Out Campaign

• Collaborated with the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWNMA), Lock the Gate and Doctors for the Environment to address phasing out gas with NSW Government.
• Partnered with 350.org’s Electrify Local Council Campaign , contributing to gas bans in new builds across five councils.

Advocating for Plant-Based Solutions: Supporting the Plant-Based Treaty

Healthy Futures proudly signed the global Plant-Based Treaty this year, recognising the critical role plant-rich diets play in mitigating climate change and improving public health. The treaty highlights the connection between food systems, human health and planetary sustainability, reinforcing Healthy Futures' mission to address climate impacts through practical, evidence-based solutions.

Welcoming New Team Members

The Healthy Futures team grew stronger with the addition of three incredible new members: Lucy McLean,  Ari Pickering and Rae Knopik. Their expertise and dedication have already amplified our impact, reinforcing our efforts to create a healthier future for all Australians.

Fundraising Milestone: Community Support Fuels Progress

With the support of our community of over 1,400 healthcare champions, we’ve raised more than $18,000 to power our campaigns this year. These contributions have been instrumental in amplifying our impact and driving meaningful change.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, Healthy Futures remain steadfast in its efforts to create a healthier future for all Australians. From advancing clean energy and sustainable healthcare to addressing the inequities tied to fossil fuels, ongoing support will continue to fuel impactful progress.

Here’s to an even more transformative 2025!