Policy and advocacy

Continence Health Australia advocates for the interests, wellbeing and needs of people in Australia affected by incontinence, ensuring their voices are represented in government policy, systems and clinical frameworks.

The aims of our work

Our aims are to:

• shape national health policy through active engagement in policy development, ensuring continence care is a priority in Australia’s health agenda
• elevate Continence Health Australia’s profile as the leading voice and peak body in bladder and bowel control health across Australia
• be the trusted authority for evidence-based, best-practice knowledge – empowering professionals, communities and individuals with reliable information and advice.

Main areas of focus

We are committed to driving meaningful change across five key areas:

1. Raising national awareness

Positioning incontinence as a major health issue affecting millions of people in Australia, addressing stigma and starting conversations about continence health.

2. Enhancing care in children, aged and disability services

Advocating for improved screening, assessment and personalised continence care that is safe, effective and preserves dignity for older people, children and people with disability.

3. Securing sustainable funding

Calling for increased investment in continence health, products and assessments to ensure equitable access to high-quality care and management for older people and people with disability.

4. Embedding education in health training

Promoting the inclusion of continence care education in core curriculum for all health professionals, allied health workers and personal care staff – building a workforce equipped to deliver best-practice care.

5. Improving access to qualified practitioners

Ensuring timely access to continence assessments by trained and qualified professionals so every person in Australia receives the care they deserve.

The importance of submissions

Through our formal submissions, we aim to ensure that the voices and needs of people in Australia affected by incontinence are heard, understood and reflected in national health strategies.

Visit our submissions section to see how we’re influencing policy and advocating for the needs of those affected by incontinence.