Advocacy and Policy
Lung Foundation Australia priorities for the South Australian election
SA went to the polls on March 21, and the Malinauskas Government was re-elected. Our asks were for a commitment to:
- Expanding the Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse program in SA to improve access across the State.
- $250,000/year for 3 years, for Lung Foundation Australia’s Respiratory Care Nurse Program to support people with COPD.
- $450,000 for co-designed e-cigarette resources.
- $150,000/year for 2 years, for a Lung Cancer Screening Priority Populations Engagement Officer in SA.
We received written confirmation of continuation of the existing 3x Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses, but there were no further commitments made to expanding access, or for our other asks. We will continue to advocate for these vital areas ahead of the SA budget in June. If you would like to support our advocacy, please email [email protected]
Update on vaccination funding and influenza vaccination reminder
There is still no federal decision on a free RSV vaccine for over 75s (or 60+ First Nations), and we continue to advocate. Encouragingly, Western Australia has joined Victoria in funding RSV vaccination in aged care.
With winter approaching, remember to get your free influenza vaccine if you have bronchiectasis, COPD, or other eligible conditions—speak with your doctor.
Research opportunity on smoking and smoking-related policies with UQ
Share your views on smoking and related policies in a new University of Queensland research study. Eligible participants will receive a $50 gift card.
Click here to learn more and take part.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Navigating Health Appointments with Confidence
Not feeling heard by your healthcare team? Clearly explain your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and what you need. You might say: “This is impacting my life,” or “I’ve tracked symptoms and need answers.”
Our Respiratory Care Nurse and Social Worker programs can support you in managing your COPD.
Contact Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Health Helpline on 1800 654 301 (ext 1) or book an appointment here.
COPD pharmacy pilot now available in Queensland
A new program in Queensland means some specially trained community pharmacists can now diagnose and prescribe medicines for people with COPD.
A participating pharmacist may be able to assess your symptoms, check how you are using your inhaler, and help identify whether COPD could be a cause. They can also start treatment, provide advice on managing symptoms, and refer you to a GP if further care is needed.
The program is currently free and will run across Queensland until 30 June 2026. It is being tested to see whether allowing pharmacists to provide more care, including diagnosing and prescribing medicines, can make it easier for people with conditions like COPD to get the help they need sooner.
To see if a pharmacy near you is offering the service, visit findapharmacy.com.au and search for pharmacies participating in the Queensland pharmacy pilot programs.
For the duration of the Pilot, the cost of your consultation is being subsidised by Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL), the leading provider of professional indemnity insurance for Australian pharmacists.
Consultations may not result in a prescription or immediate diagnosis.
Bronchiectasis
Navigating Health Appointments with Confidence
What can you do when you don’t feel heard? Clearly explain your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and what you hope to learn, so your healthcare team understands your concerns. You might say: “This is impacting my life,” “I’ve tracked my symptoms,” or “What tests would you recommend?”
Learn more about your rights here.
Our Respiratory Care Nurse and Social Worker programs can help you manage bronchiectasis.
Call Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Health Helpline on 1800 654 301 (ext 1) or book here.
Occupational Lung Disease (OLD)
Navigating Health Appointments with Confidence
What can you do when you don’t feel heard? Clearly explain your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and what you hope to learn. This helps your healthcare team understand your concerns. You might say: “This is impacting my life,” “I’ve tracked my symptoms,” or “What tests would you recommend?”
Learn more about your rights here.
Our Respiratory Care Nurse and Social Worker programs can support you in managing lung disease.
Call Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Health Helpline on 1800 654 301 (ext 1) or book here.
Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF)
New Interstitial Lung Abnormalities resource now available
Lung Foundation Australia, in collaboration with the Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis (CRE-PF), has released a fact sheet on Interstitial Lung Abnormalities (ILAs). This resource explains what ILAs are, what early signs may mean, and the steps you can take if they are identified on a CT scan.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Webinar recording now available: Living well with PAH: Nutrition for energy and wellbeing
In this webinar, Dr Aziz Rahman and Ms Alison Wright discuss the science behind dietary strategies and practical tips for daily life.
Topics include the evidence on diet, sodium, and fluid balance in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), as well as ways to manage fatigue, appetite changes, and breathlessness, along with simple, affordable food choices to support energy and wellbeing.
Get Involved
Lung Health Awareness Month
Join us this May for Lung Health Awareness Month and help support lung health through the Gift of Breath Challenge.
Choose a personal activity—walk, run, host a morning tea, or create your own—and do it for lungs.
Your efforts will help raise awareness and support programs that help Australians breathe easier.
Sign up today and choose your Gift of Breath Challenge this May.
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