Submissions

February 2026

Continence Health Australia Pre-budget Submission 2026-2027

Pre-budget submissions are a key moment in the calendar for health organisations, providing an opportunity to influence government funding priorities.

Continence Health Australia has made a Pre Budget submission to the Federal Government, outlining areas of critical importance for continence health.

November 2025

Position statement: The Need for Recognition of Incontinence as a Long-Term Health Condition
Supporting data: Can Incontinence Be Recognised as a Long Term Health Condition?

Continence Health Australia advocates for recognising incontinence as a long-term health condition, highlighting its widespread prevalence and significant impact on Australians’ health, wellbeing, and quality of life. ​

Affecting over 7 million people, incontinence is linked to chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and economic costs. ​ CHA calls for a National Continence Plan, improved data collection, and prioritization of research to address this critical public health issue. ​

June 2025
Continence Health Australia Pre-budget Submission 2024-2025

Continence Health Australia urges national investment in a new Continence Action Plan, a dedicated data strategy and continued program funding. With over one‑third of people in Australia affected and costs exceeding $66 billion, the submission calls for stronger prevention, better services, improved workforce capability and robust data to drive meaningful, long‑term improvements in continence care

June 2025
Anti-Bullying Rapid Review

Bullying and inadequate school toilet conditions affect up to 62% of primary children, leading to toileting avoidance and long-term health issues. Children with incontinence face heightened risks of bullying, impacting their quality of life and social interactions. ​

Continence Health Australia advocates for clean, safe toilets, “no ask leave-cards,” access to continence products, teacher education, and school management plans to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students. ​

November 2024

Submission to the NSW Parliamentary inquiry into public toilets

In response to the NSW Parliament inquiry into public toilets, this submission calls for cleaner, safer and more inclusive facilities that meet the needs of people living with incontinence.

It emphasises the importance of hygienic design, discreet disposal options and accessible features that support dignity, confidence and full participation in community life.

November 2024

Submission to the Future National Health Survey content consultation

In response to the NSW Parliament inquiry into public toilets, this submission calls for cleaner, safer and more inclusive facilities that meet the needs of people living with incontinence. It emphasises the importance of hygienic design, discreet disposal options and accessible features that support dignity, confidence and full participation in community life.

April 2023

Submission to the Pregnancy Care Guidelines consultation

Improving pregnancy care means recognising how common incontinence is and giving women the tools to prevent it. This paper calls for clear guidance on pelvic floor muscle training, proactive conversations about bladder health, and timely referral to specialists—ensuring women receive evidence‑based support to protect their wellbeing before and after birth.

June 2023

Response to the consultation on the new regulatory model for Aged Care

Continence Health Australia calls for a stronger aged‑care regulatory model that embeds high‑quality, evidence‑based continence care. The paper urges better workforce training, clear standards, co‑design with older people, robust data collection and stronger accountability so every older person in Australia receives safe, dignified and person‑centred continence support.

April 2023

Recommendation on the Early Years Strategy

Improving children’s bladder and bowel health is key to helping them thrive. This paper calls for early developmental checks that include toileting, better support for families, targeted help for vulnerable communities, stronger specialist workforce investment and better national data. Together, these steps can reduce stigma, enable earlier intervention and set children up for healthier futures.

February 2023

Submission to the SA Select Committee on Access to Urinary Tract
Infection Treatment

Expanding pharmacy‑based UTI treatment can improve timely care, but safeguards are essential. The paper highlights risks for women with undiagnosed incontinence, stresses the need for pharmacist training, stronger referral pathways, shared clinical records and robust screening to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure safe, effective treatment for those most at risk.