Heart Health

Jordan-Baird shared a personal story regarding the loss of her sister to sudden cardiac death, underscoring the emotional impact of cardiovascular disease. Jordan-Baird noted that one in four female deaths are linked to heart disease and highlighted the government's focus on women's health through the expert panel and Medicare checks. Jordan-Baird also mentioned World Restart a Heart Day and the work of the Australian Sudden Cardiac Arrest Alliance in calling for a national plan to stop sudden cardiac arrest fatalities.

Small drew on his experience as an ambulance officer to illustrate the severity of sudden cardiac arrest, noting that cardiovascular disease affects people of all ages. Small welcomed the motion for raising awareness about the unique aspects of women's heart health, which he admitted was new information to him. Small reiterated the coalition's past investments in cardiovascular research and medication subsidies, praising the current government for building on that foundation and calling for bipartisan cooperation to improve outcomes.

Holzberger highlighted the work of Heart Health Qld, a local volunteer-run organisation providing support and education to patients in the Logan area. Holzberger discussed the social isolation and mental health challenges that often follow a heart event, which can lead to a vicious cycle of poor health outcomes. Holzberger emphasised that women's symptoms often differ from the classic 'Hollywood heart attack' presentation, contributing to delayed diagnosis, and praised the government's efforts to increase access to heart health checks.

Webster focused on the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in regional communities, particularly in her electorate of Mallee, where rates exceed metropolitan averages. Webster cited data from Heart Foundation screenings showing high levels of untreated risk factors and the need for better access to primary care and specialist services, including a catheterisation laboratory in Mildura. Webster argued that preventive health relies on accessible primary care and criticised the current system for failing rural residents, who often only discover heart disease in emergency settings.

Freelander shared his personal experience with familial hypercholesterolemia and the importance of screening and treatment in preventing long-term damage. Freelander highlighted the low uptake of heart health checks among those with risk factors and called for improved access to screening in various community settings. Freelander congratulated the government on establishing a women's health taskforce and an inquiry into access to specialist care, stressing that health outcomes are shaped by social circumstances and access to services.

Boyce supported the motion but provided data showing that cardiovascular disease also severely impacts men, with higher age-standardised death rates and a greater burden of disease. Boyce highlighted the disparity in medical interventions, with men undergoing significantly more coronary procedures than women. Boyce emphasised the challenges in regional Queensland, where lack of 24/7 catheterisation laboratories in major centres like Gladstone and Emerald forces patients to undergo risky aeromedical retrievals for emergency care.