Preventative Health Agency

The National Preventative Health Agency Bill was introduced into the Senate in November 2009, and is designed to set up the National Preventative Health Agency to co-ordinate obesity, alcohol abuse and smoking public health campaigns, as well as act as an advisor to Governments on these and other related public health issues.

The Government’s National Preventative Health Taskforce strategy was released in September 2009 and this Agency is one of it’s key recommendations. The Agency is also expected to co-ordinate and run health surveillance, consultation and research.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), on behalf of the food industry, has encouraged the Senate to pass the Bill, so that the Agency can be established by the expected start date of 01 January 2010.

“The new National Preventative Health Agency must make a difference otherwise there’s no point in having yet another arm of Government for addressing this important issue of preventative health,” Dr Annison, AFGC Deputy Chief Executive, said. “We need to ensure that this new agency delivers comprehensive national programs to boost Australia’s capacity to combat preventable diseases. Also, it must not duplicate the activities of other agencies including the NHMRC and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.”

The Agency will be independent and government funded and will have health experts as the key staff.

“Australia’s food and grocery manufacturing sector welcomes preventative health challenges and has already made strong inroads in these areas with a number of voluntary measures including front of pack food labelling, an advertising to children initiative and the reduction of salt and trans-fats in processed foods,” Dr Annison suggested.

Although it is recognised at all levels that is not going to be quick or easy to reduce the impact that obesity, smoking and alcohol abuse has on the community, the establishment of this Agency is welcomed, to drive programs to achieve this.

“We will only reverse this trend with a comprehensive and strategic approach involving governments, industry, the community and individuals. We all have to commit to make Australia healthier, whether in the workplace, at school or home,” Dr Annison said.