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Asthma Australia CEO Asthma Australia Kate Miranda, Director of Public Affairs and Policy Rebecca Haddock and Manager of Community Services Jess Tyler met with Tasmanian Health Minister Bridget Archer in Hobart to talk about how asthma affects communities across Tasmania and what’s needed to improve care in the long term.
Asthma affects more than 71,000 Tasmanians, and we welcomed the Minister’s leadership and genuine engagement on this important issue.
The discussion focused on preventing asthma flare-ups before they happen, making sure the health workforce is supported to deliver care safely and effectively, and improving access to timely, culturally appropriate support in communities with the greatest need.
Tasmania carries a particularly heavy asthma burden, including seven of Australia’s 20 childhood asthma hotspots and much higher rates in the state’s north, highlighting the need for targeted, community-led solutions.
We also talked about the growing impact of climate change, air quality and the way our towns and cities are designed on asthma health. With Tasmania entering bushfire season, there was a shared focus on the importance of smoke preparedness, protecting vulnerable people and creating healthier environments that reduce exposure to respiratory triggers.
Asthma Australia is committed to working alongside the Tasmanian Government to embed asthma into long-term preventive health planning, reduce avoidable hospital visits and strengthen community resilience as environmental pressures increase.
