Driving 2025 Federal Election Priorities for Lung Health

The last federal election was in May 2025. Lung Foundation Australia met with parliamentarians from all parties and independents to discuss our recommendations (outlined below and detailed in this document).

There are over 30 different types of lung disease currently impacting 1 in 3 Australians. Lung diseases, including lung cancer, are leading causes of death in Australia, but they have consistently been underfunded compared to other prominent diseases. There is an urgent need for the government to fund prevention efforts as well as improved services for those already living with a lung disease, and the healthcare professionals who support them.

Lung Foundation Australia are calling for investments across five priority areas which will lead to huge returns. These recommendations can reduce the burden of lung diseases on those living with the disease and on the health system as a whole.

We recommend that the next Australian Government:

1. Reduce pressure on the Australian health system: Invest $1.6 million per year, over three years, in Lung Foundation Australia’s Respiratory Care Program.
2. Reduce inequities in the leading cause of cancer death in Australia: Invest $5 million per year in Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses and commit to sustained investment in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
3. Ensure high quality training for primary healthcare professionals: Invest $1.7 million, over three years, in Australia’s best-practice lung health education and training program in primary care.
4. Reduce the burden of chronic diseases in a cost-effective way: Increase investment in preventive health, towards 5% of the health budget.
5. Promote a smoke and vape free Australia: Explore a generational phase out of tobacco products; ban political donations from the tobacco industry.

We are committed to continue working with the Australian Government to both prevent lung disease and lung cancer, as well as support the many Australians currently living with a lung disease and their families.