Tackling structures of obstruction to planetary health equity in Australia

On 25 and 26 June 2025, the School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) hosted the Structures of Obstruction: Understanding Opposition to Planetary Health Equity Action in Australia workshop, bringing together researchers and practitioners from across the country who are concerned about health, social equity and climate change. The event examined the network of organisations, institutions and ideas that obstruct action on economic inequality, climate change and planetary health equity.

Led by Professor Sharon Friel and Professor Christian Downie, the workshop explored how actors influence political agendas, public opinion and the media to shape public policy and regulation in ways that favour and maintain their interests. Participants examined these issues through different theoretical frameworks and case studies, exploring how to counter structures of obstruction and support action on planetary health equity.

Reflecting on the event, Professor Sharon Friel said, “Key to addressing planetary health equity is action on climate change and on inequality. These incredible two days enabled a deep dive into understanding who, how and what is preventing such action. This knowledge is important to informing counter strategies. Participants at the workshop - from public health, political science, within the academy and non-government organisations – will now write a joint article and perhaps an edited volume that will flesh out these insights.”

Professor Christian Downie added, “This was a wonderful opportunity to engage with leading scholars and practitioners on some of the most pressing issues we face as a society, such as climate change and inequality. It was a privilege to engage with participants across disciplinary boundaries to share knowledge and develop new research agendas. I have no doubt that the workshop will provide a foundation for future collaborative work in this area.”

One of the key outcomes of the workshop is the development of a collaborative research network and agenda that will investigate how opposition to planetary health equity plays out in Australia, and how it can be challenged. This network and agenda are intended to form the basis of future collaborative grants, interdisciplinary publications and policy engagement.

This workshop was supported by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, through its 2025 Workshops Program Grant. The program supports multidisciplinary workshops which aim to advance research and policy agendas on nationally important issues. It also aims to spark new ideas in social science research and policy, support early-career researchers and build networks across different disciplines and sectors.