Advocacy
Respiratory Care WA is a leading voice for respiratory health in Western Australia, advocating for policies, services and initiatives that improve the lives of people living with respiratory conditions.
We work with government, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry and the community to raise awareness, influence policy and drive meaningful change that supports healthier lungs and better health outcomes.
Our advocacy priorities include:
Air quality and environmental health
Clean air is essential for healthy lungs. We advocate for policies and initiatives that improve air quality and reduce the impact of environmental factors that contribute to respiratory disease across Western Australia.
Our focus includes reducing air pollution, supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources, protecting vulnerable communities, strengthening air quality monitoring and research, and increasing public awareness of environmental health risks. Through collaboration with government, healthcare professionals, researchers and the community, we work towards a future where all Western Australians can breathe cleaner air.
Reducing tobacco use
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable respiratory disease. We advocate for evidence-based policies and programs that help people quit smoking, reduce tobacco-related harm, and protect lung health across the community.
Our priorities include improving access to smoking cessation support, increasing awareness of the health impacts of tobacco use, and supporting appropriate regulation of vaping products to prevent uptake among young people and non-smokers. We also advocate for ongoing research and evidence-based policies that contribute to lower smoking rates and better respiratory health outcomes.
Improving lung health
Good lung health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing. We support initiatives that prevent respiratory disease, promote early detection, and improve access to the care, information and services people need to manage their respiratory health.
Key priorities include equitable access to quality care, community education and awareness, research and innovation, and evidence-based policies that improve outcomes. By working with healthcare professionals, researchers, government and the community, we aim to reduce the burden of respiratory disease and support healthier lives.
Early intervention and prevention
Early intervention and prevention are critical to reducing the impact of respiratory disease and improving long-term health outcomes. We support initiatives that promote early detection, increase awareness of respiratory symptoms and risk factors, and encourage proactive management of lung health.
Our focus includes improving access to preventive healthcare services such as lung health screening, vaccination and education programs, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities. We also support research and innovation that help identify respiratory conditions earlier, reduce exposure to risk factors, and empower people to take charge of their respiratory health.
Access to community care
Everyone deserves access to high-quality respiratory care, regardless of where they live, their background, or their circumstances. We advocate for equitable access to respiratory services across Western Australia, with a focus on reducing barriers to care and ensuring people can access the support they need, when and where they need it.
Our priorities include expanding access to services in rural and remote communities, addressing financial and cultural barriers to care, strengthening integrated and coordinated models of care, and improving education and support for self-management. We also advocate for policies and sustainable investment that improve access to respiratory healthcare and help ensure better outcomes for all Western Australians.
