Call for Government Action on Clean Energy Shift
SYDNEY — Australian healthcare professionals have issued an open letter warning that the nation’s reliance on global oil is negatively impacting public health. The letter, organised by Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), calls on the Albanese Government to expedite the transition to clean energy, citing increased living costs and health risks as major concerns.
The open letter highlights that the instability in global oil markets, exacerbated by conflict in the Middle East, is contributing to rising expenses for fuel, groceries, and housing. Dr. Kate Wylie, a GP and executive director of DEA, stated, “Our dependence on global oil is exposing Australians to financial and health burdens, especially in outer suburbs and rural areas.” She noted the link between financial stress and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Health Impacts of Oil Dependence
Dr. Wylie also pointed out the physical health risks associated with burning petrol, such as heart and lung diseases, cancer, and complications in pregnancy. The letter emphasises that fossil fuel consumption is a significant driver of climate change, which in turn leads to health issues like extreme heat and severe weather events. The doctors advocate for a switch to renewable energy sources, highlighting Australia’s potential in solar and wind energy to reduce reliance on polluting fuels.
Dr. Sarah Koffmann, a rural GP in Central West NSW, shared her firsthand experience with the challenges faced by rural healthcare due to oil price volatility, stating, “Rural communities are struggling with healthcare delivery as fuel costs rise, limiting access to necessary services.”
This call to action from healthcare professionals comes at a time when renewable energy is becoming more prominent in Australia’s energy mix. According to recent reports, renewable energy sources supplied a record amount of electricity in late 2025. The DEA urges the government to leverage these resources to enhance public health and reduce oil dependency.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 1 April 2026, 10:30 am
