All Australians’ health will benefit from cleaner air as a result of a National Electric Vehicle Strategy, with a fuel efficiency standard at its centre. Australia’s peak body on climate change and health, the Climate and Health Alliance has welcomed the release of the strategy.

CAHA Policy Specialist on air pollution and researcher, Clare Walter says, “by cleaning up our cars and trucks, we can unlock a myriad of health benefits for all Australians”.

“Australia desperately needs to clean up its tailpipes. Each year there are an estimated 11,000 premature deaths and 66,000 asthma cases related to tailpipe exhaust in Australia. The impacts are greatest in young children,” she said.

“We welcome the commitment to fuel efficiency standards, after a decade of calls from environment and health advocates. We look forward to working with the government to ensure Australia implements a robust fuel efficiency standard that will improve our health and lower carbon emissions. 

“A National Electric Vehicle Strategy will also help reduce the burden on our stretched healthcare system. Right now, the health impacts of our toxic transport system result in over 19,000 cardio-respiratory hospital admissions each year.

“The National Electric Vehicle Strategy is a great start, and the government can go further to create healthier transport choices for all Australians. Alongside this Strategy, we need more investment in electrifying public transport and improving active transport infrastructure. This will unlock a myriad of further health benefits related to reducing air pollution, noise pollution, road trauma rates and physical inactivity.”

Media contact: Sally Spalding, 0401 184 986, [email protected]