The role of the health sector in responding to energy hardship: An Australian perspective

Energy hardship is increasingly recognised as a significant determinant of health, with evidence linking it to numerous negative health and wellbeing outcomes. The association between energy hardship and public health raises questions about what roles the health sector can or should play in addressing the issue. While there are limited examples in the literature, the role of health sectors to date has been predominantly as an intermediary connecting eligible individuals to energy hardship interventions, such as financial counselling and household upgrades to improve energy efficiency. Australia's response to energy hardship is likely to be strengthened by stronger and more strategic engagement of the health sector as part of coordinated cross-sectoral action.