Professor Hilary Bambrick, Director of the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University (ANU), has been appointed as a member of the Climate and Health Expert Advisory Group, recently established by the Albanese Labor Government.

The advisory group, chaired by the Hon Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, will provide expert guidance on mitigating the health impacts of climate change in Australia.

The group’s formation marks a significant step in the implementation of Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy, which was launched at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023.

 “We all have a shared goal to protect all Australians from the severe health risks posed by climate change, and to make the health system as sustainable as possible,” says the Hon Ged Kearney MP.

Highly recognised for her work on climate change and health, Professor Bambrick brings her extensive experience to the group to help convey the voice of the health community into the process of developing and implementing the Government’s climate and health policies.

Professor Bambrick’s involvement underscores the critical role of academic expertise in shaping policies for minimising the health system’s carbon footprint while ensuring it remains resilient against climate-related threats.

“Right now, the Australian Government has a significant opportunity to show global leadership in how it responds to the complex hazards brought by climate change,” says Professor Bambrick, “A key part of that response is to understand the health risks, ensure we have healthy people and thriving communities, and that we build greater resilience into our health system.” 

The full list of members of the advisory group is available here.