 This paper examined the factors that enabled or constrained attention to health issues on government trade agendas. It found that the strength of exporter's interests, the extent of political will of trade and health ministers, framing of health issues, support within the major political parties, exogenous influencing events, public support, the strength of available evidence and the presence of existing domestic legislation and international treaties all played a role in determining whether health issues received attention. These findings provide insight into how health issues are prioritized on government trade agendas and suggest potential pathways to increase attention to health in future.