Arthritis Australia election campaign

Almost one in three Australians, or more than 7 million people of all ages, are living with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

The next federal election could be called at any time, and we need our arthritis and MSK clinical and research community to come off the bench and make your voices heard if we want to see positive change.

From now until the Federal election, Arthritis Australia needs your help to lobby federal parliamentarians to take action on arthritis and MSK conditions. We have developed an election platform with three key asks based on consultation with people living with ...

Almost one in three Australians, or more than 7 million people of all ages, are living with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

The next federal election could be called at any time, and we need our arthritis and MSK clinical and research community to come off the bench and make your voices heard if we want to see positive change.

From now until the Federal election, Arthritis Australia needs your help to lobby federal parliamentarians to take action on arthritis and MSK conditions. We have developed an election platform with three key asks based on consultation with people living with arthritis and MSK, along with clinicians and researchers.

To get involved:

Step 1: email your local MP/senator

Step 2: spread the word!

What can you do?

Use our tool to email your local Member of Parliament and Senators and ask for their support. You can also ask to meet with them to discuss these issues in person - for advice on meeting with your MP, see our handy meet your MP tips.

Sharing your story in your own words is a powerful way to help parliamentarians understand the personal impact of arthritis and MSK, the vital role of research, and the support that is needed.

Tell them about the three key actions that will improve life for people with arthritis and MSK conditions:

Invest in game-changing arthritis and musculoskeletal research to transform lives and generate health system savings
Take action on out-of-pocket healthcare costs - to reform safety nets, and provide timely relief from fees when it is needed most
Fund affordable and accessible care for people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, including exercise and rehabilitation through allied health and social prescribing programs

For more information, see Arthritis Australia's 2025 Election Platform arthritisaustralia.com.au/7millionvoices.

Together, let’s make our voices heard this election.

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Support the 7 million Australians living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions

239 emails sent

Make your voice heard - use this handy tool to tell your MP and Senator in your own words why they should commit to better care for people with arthritis.

You can even take the next step and ask to meet with them to discuss these issues in person.

Our template email includes Arthritis Australia's three key election campaign asks, for research investment, action on out of pocket costs, and more funding for allied health and community support programs.

But be sure to include your own story, such as:

how arthritis and MSK affects you and your family
the impact on you physically
how it affects your ability to work and your finances
how it affects your hopes and fears for the future

Find your local rep

Compose your email

Subject:

I am one of the 7 million Australians of all ages living with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, which are a leading cause of chronic pain, disability and inability to work.

In the lead up to the 2025 election, we are seeking your commitment to:

1.	Invest in game-changing arthritis and musculoskeletal research to transform lives and generate health system savings

For every Australian living with arthritis and MSK, the government spent just $6 on research through the NHMRC in 2023.  This compares to $108 per person living with dementia, and $72 per person with a cardiovascular condition.

By establishing a Medical Research Future Fund Arthritis and MSK Mission, we could transform quality of life for people of all ages living with pain and disability, saving the health system billions and giving the hope of a cure for these debilitating conditions.

2.	Take action on out-of-pocket healthcare costs by reforming safety nets, and providing timely relief  from fees when it is needed most

Too many people are struggling with the cost of living and face the awful dilemma of choosing between buying basics like food or being able to afford their healthcare. We are calling for reforms including Introducing a single, automated Health Safety Net covering both the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Medicare, changing the expenditure qualifying periods to a 12 month rolling period to ensure people get equitable access to concessions, and provide additional fee relief during arthritis flares when healthcare costs skyrocket.

3.	Fund affordable and accessible care for people with arthritis and MSK conditions, including exercise and rehabilitation through allied health and social prescribing programs

People with arthritis and MSK put up with the pain with little care or support, often languishing on elective surgical waiting lists that can exceed 500 days. Allied health services such as those provided by physiotherapists and dieticians are critical but simply unaffordable for many people without more government support. Meanwhile, community arthritis organisations are desperate for more funding to continue their support programs.

For more information, see Arthritis Australia’s election platform: arthritisaustralia.com.au/7millionvoices
 
Will you commit to helping people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions by sending a message to your party’s health spokesperson asking them to commit to these three key actions?

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