Doctors Reform Society of Australia
			supporting health care reforms to ensure justice, equity and quality care for all
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13.1  The DRS considers that maintenance of the total environment is of concern to world survival and that environmental health is a fundamental public health issue facing the Australian community.  Addressing environmental health problems requires attention to the underlying causes and not just the symptoms.
13.2  The DRS is aware of the inter-relatedness of the Earth's ecosystems and believes there is a need to maintain a high quality sustainable environment both at the local and global levels.  The DRS supports increasing awareness of this interdependence to encourage initiation and support of policies and actions protecting the environment and environmental health.
13.3 The DRS believes environmental health involves the land, the life which grows or is sustained by the land, the quality of air, water, food supply and habitation and the maintenance of a safe social environment.
13.4  The DRS believes profit motives of public and private sectors have been fundamental in the decline of our environment.  Steps need to be instituted to ensure a balance between economic development, sustainability and a healthy environment.
13.5  The DRS believes all new technologies should be reviewed before introduction for their impact on working conditions and the total environment.
13.6  The DRS believes incentives should be enacted to encourage the development of sustainability, encompassing the efficient utilisation of renewable resources and the maximal recycling of non-renewable resources and safe environmental practices.  This should be enacted by government and any practice which contravenes these principles should be the subject of substantial penalties.
13.7  The DRS believes consumption patterns of individuals impact on the environment and health outcomes.  There needs to be a balance between what is desirable for a quality existence and the maintenance of a healthy environment.
13.8  In recognising the impact the use of resources and the size of the population has on the environment, the DRS believes development efforts should address both population growth and consumption.  The DRS believes strategies to reduce the inequalities between developed and developing countries are essential. (see also 16. International Health and Developing Countries)
13.9  The DRS recognises the value of wilderness areas and the need to preserve them.  The DRS acknowledges the world's resources are limited and future survival depends on establishing and maintaining significant areas of undisturbed country so that the diversity of existing life may continue for future benefit.
13.10  The DRS is concerned about pesticide and herbicide residues in food and the environment.  The DRS believes there should be strict controls and monitoring of their use.  Stringent uniform regulations are required and use should be restricted to fully trained and licensed operators.  The DRS supports development of safe, alternative methods of biological control.  (see also Occupational Health 12.5)
13.11  The DRS recognises the importance of the built environment on health.  This includes materials, systems used in structures and design factors which protect both the internal and external environment.  (see also 6.6 Housing and Habitat)
13.12  The DRS believes work practices, materials used and interpersonal interactions are key issues in a work environment influencing the health of the workers involved as well as the surrounding region.  The DRS believes work places must incorporate safe conditions for both the workers and the surrounding community.  The use of renewable resources and the recycling of non-renewable resources should be normal practice for all work places. (see also 12. Occupational Health)
13.13  The DRS believes motor vehicle use needs to be decreased urgently and supports incentives for the use of more environmentally-friendly methods of transport.  Public transport needs to be safe, affordable and accessible for all people.  The association between the construction of roads and increased motor vehicle use also needs to be addressed.
13.14  The DRS believes all people have a right to clean air and those who choose to smoke should not place others at risk.  Indoor areas and work places should be smoke-free environments.  (see also 6.3 Tobacco, Alcohol and other Drug Use)
 

.		.	The Doctors Reform Society of Australia, Box 14, 4 Goulburn Street, Sydney 2000. Phone 02 9264-9084 Fax 02 9267-4393.	.
			This page was last updated on 29th January, 2003.
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