The National Asthma Management Program

Every day, millions of Australians manage asthma at home, at school, at work and in their communities. But on 1 December 2026, Australia’s only national, ongoing asthma management program is at risk of ending unless the Federal Government commits ongoing funding.

The National Asthma Management Program helps keep people out of hospital, supports schools and healthcare professionals, improves asthma management, and delivers trusted support to communities across the country.

This isn’t a future problem. It’s happening now.

2.8 million Australians live with asthma

Asthma costs Australia $1.28 billion every year in direct health system costs
Up to 90% of asthma hospitalisations are preventable
Asthma accounts for 22% of all respiratory health expenditure
Asthma is the leading cause of disease burden in children aged 1–9
Women are more likely to be hospitalised for asthma and twice as likely to die from it

What is the National Asthma Management Program

Improving the quality of life for people with asthma

Living well with asthma starts with having the right knowledge, tools, and support. Asthma Australia works directly with people living with asthma to help them understand their condition, manage their symptoms and take control of their health. Through education, resources and personalised support, we are committed to improving quality of life for every Australian living with asthma.

Keeping children and young people healthy and well

A child who understands their asthma is better equipped to manage it. At school, at home and throughout their life. The National Asthma Management Program is designed to build confidence, knowledge and self-management skills from an early age, laying the foundation for a lifetime of better health. By investing in young Australians with asthma today, we are helping to create a generation that feels empowered, not defined, by their condition.

Community programs where the asthma burden is greatest

Asthma does not affect all Australians equally. Some communities face significantly higher rates of hospitalisation, poorer access to care and greater daily impact from the condition. The National Asthma Management Program considers a targeted approach, delivering tailored support and resources to the communities that need it most, including First Nations communities, rural and remote populations, women and those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. By meeting people where they are, we are working to ensure that no community is left behind.

Consumer insights to drive systems change and person-centred approaches

The people who live with asthma every day hold invaluable knowledge about what works, what doesn't and what the health system needs to do better. We actively gather and amplify the voices of consumers to ensure that their experiences and insights are at the heart of policy, program design, and service delivery. By putting people first and embedding their perspectives into systems change, we can build a health system that truly responds to the needs of those it is designed to serve.

Program Impact

Why Australia can’t afford to lose the National Asthma Management Program

1. Asthma is costing Australia billions – and most of it is preventable

Too many Australians end up in emergency departments and hospitals because they are not getting the support they need early enough.

The National Asthma Management Program exists to prevent asthma attacks before they happen. For a fraction of what Australia already spends treating preventable asthma emergencies, this program helps people stay healthier, safer and out of hospital.

This is not charity. It’s smart healthcare investment.

2. This proven national program could disappear

Since 2018, the National Asthma Management Program has supported communities right across Australia.

Independent evaluation has confirmed the program improves health outcomes and delivers value for money.

But unless funding is renewed before 1 December 2026, this national program will stop.

Programs like this take years to build – and moments to lose.

3. Every dollar invested delivers double the impact

Asthma Australia doubles Commonwealth funding through partnerships with state and territory governments and community fundraising.

A $15.6 million investment over four years delivers more than $31 million in outcomes for Australians with asthma.

That means:

stronger national support
better access to asthma education
more equitable healthcare
proven infrastructure already working across Australia

4. The people hit hardest by asthma are often the least supported

Asthma does not affect everyone equally.

Children, First Nations communities, women, and people living in regional and remote areas experience some of the highest asthma burden in Australia.

Four in ten children with asthma miss school because of it.

The National Asthma Management Program includes culturally tailored asthma support programs and national education initiatives that many communities rely on every day.

For some families, this is the only support available.

5. Losing this program creates real health risks

The Federal Government’s proposed alternative program funds short-term projects.

The National Asthma Management Program provides ongoing, coordinated national asthma care and support.

They are not the same thing.

Defunding continuous asthma support during the biggest changes to asthma treatment in more than 40 years puts people at risk.

6. Australia has a real opportunity to improve asthma outcomes – but only if we act now

New clinical guidelines, digital tools and growing understanding of environmental triggers like woodheater and bushfire smoke, pollen, thunderstorms and indoor air pollution have created a major opportunity to improve asthma care.

But without ongoing investment, Australia risks missing that opportunity.

Sustained national asthma support means:

fewer hospital visits
less pressure on GPs and emergency departments
healthier children
better support for vulnerable communities
a healthier and more productive Australia