Open Letter: Healthcare professionals warn oil dependence is harming Australians' health amid global instability
Doctors for the Environment Australia
GPs, specialists and other healthcare professionals are signing an open letter calling for the Albanese Government to accelerate the shift to clean energy. They warn that dependence on global oil is driving up living costs and harming public health—particularly as conflict in the Middle East disrupts fuel markets.
Dr Kate Wylie, a GP and the executive director of Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), which organised the open letter:
“Our dependence on global oil is exposing Australians—especially those in outer suburbs and rural areas—to rising costs for fuel, groceries and mortgage repayments, as well as physical and mental health harms.
“Financial pressure contributes to sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues- and as doctors we’re seeing these in our communities.
“Burning petrol is also harming our physical health, increasing the risk of heart and lung diseases, cancers and pregnancy problems.
“At the same time, fossil fuels are driving climate change and its growing health impacts, including extreme heat, severe weather and infectious diseases.
“Australia has a clear alternative to polluting fuels.
“A shift to clean energy, powered by our abundant sun and wind, would reduce our reliance on polluting fuels, while more investment in electric transport infrastructure, would especially help rural communities where the reliance on cars is greatest.
“We can also embrace active transport like cycling and walking, which have no pollution and are good for our mental and physical health.”
“Accelerating clean energy is not about technology but about political will. Renewable energy already supplied record generation in the last three months of 2025.
“Health professionals call on the Albanese government to put the needs of the community first- no matter our post codes.”
Dr Sarah Koffmann, Rural GP, Central West NSW:
“A colleague who does outreach work to surrounding communities spent several hours last weekend driving around looking for a petrol station that actually had fuel. That is the reality of rural healthcare delivery right now.
“Rural communities are already stretched for healthcare options. When you can't afford private fees or the petrol to drive over two hours to an appointment, the options don't just shrink, they disappear.
“This is what oil price volatility looks like in a rural GP waiting room.
“Australia has the sun, the wind, and the policy levers to fix this. Electrifying transport and investing in rural infrastructure would cut our exposure to global oil markets and keep people healthier. That is not aspirational. It's a choice the government could make. Why aren't they?"
Interviews are available
Dr Kate Wylie, DEA executive director and GP
Dr Sarah Koffmann, Rural GP, Central West NSW
Dr Jocelyn Rikard-Bell, GP in Bathurst, NSW
Dr Sarah Mollard, Port Macquarie, available on Friday
Dr Kim Loo, western Sydney, available 3pm onwards on Thursday
Media contact
DEA Media and Communications Lead, Carmela Ferraro, 04107 03074, [email protected]
DEA executive director and GP, Dr Kate Wylie, 0432 871 389,
—ENDS–
Contact details:
DEA Media and Communications Lead, Carmela Ferraro, 04107 03074, [email protected]
DEA executive director and GP, Dr Kate Wylie, 0432 871 389,