2025 Federal Election Statement

Media release: Thursday 10 April 2025

Heart Foundation calls on all partners to step up for heart health

As the 2025 federal election campaign begins, the Heart Foundation welcomes recent Government steps to address heart health—but warns that more action is needed to tackle Australia's biggest killer and drive lasting change.

We welcome the three-year extension of Medicare Heart Health Checks from July 2025—an important step in preventing heart disease. But to increase uptake and reach those most at risk, we're calling for a $5 million investment over three years to support national awareness, nurse-led delivery, and targeted outreach.

A Medicare Heart Health Check is a 20-minute check-up with your GP. It can help you understand your chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years and what you can do to prevent it.

"Making the Heart Health Check permanent would be a win for prevention," said Heart Foundation CEO David Lloyd. "But people also need to know about it, be encouraged to take it up, and be able to access it—especially in high-risk regions."

The Heart Foundation also welcomes other recent health commitments, including:

• A one-year extension of the National Walking Initiative, keeping Australia's largest free walking program going.
• An $11.4 million investment to deliver 12 Remote Community Laundries, which can reduce the incidence of scabies as well as help bring an end to rheumatic heart disease.

While positive, these short-term measures still fall short of the long-term investment needed.

Now in its 30th year, Heart Foundation Walking supports over 365,000 Australians to improve their heart health through regular physical activity. Yet, with no funding confirmed beyond June 2026, the future of this proven and cost-effective program remains unclear.

"We're concerned that such a successful and accessible program is still on a drip feed," Mr Lloyd said.

"Walking is free, good for body and mind, and can be done anywhere—yet we're still waiting on full support."

The Heart Foundation urges all parties and candidates to support its full 2025 federal election statement, an evidence-based plan to save lives and reduce preventable cardiovascular deaths.

Key priorities include:

• $11.4–$15.5 million over three years to fully fund and expand the National Walking Initiative through community groups and personalised plans;
• $50.1–$90.6 million over six years to scale up the Remote Laundries Project, improving hygiene and reducing RHD in remote First Nations communities;
• $5 million over three years to boost Heart Health Check uptake through public campaigns and new delivery models.

"These smart, affordable investments will help more people live longer, healthier lives," Mr Lloyd said. "We're calling on all parties and candidates to Walk the Talk this election and show they're serious about keeping communities healthy—especially in the face of rising chronic disease and cost-of-living pressures."

A copy of the Heart Foundation’s election statement is available at: www.heartfoundation.org.au/about-us/advocacy/government-submissions