Working Together Essential for a Healthier Nation

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26 October 2009

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today met with key representatives in the sport, food, alcohol, business and public health sectors to discuss the recommendations of three major health reform reports: the National Preventative Health Strategy, the Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s Report, and the draft National Primary Health Care Strategy.

The Rudd Government wants to work closely with industry and encourage key organisations to take a leadership role to drive change in preventative health.

As a Government, we know that prevention is better than a cure.

That’s why we have made the biggest investment into preventative health of any Government – of over $872 million.

This investment will build on the success of recent Rudd Government initiatives such as the Healthy Kids Check, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program and the National Binge Drinking Strategy.

In addition, legislation is currently before the parliament to establish the Australian Preventative Health Agency, which will provide research and evidence-based policy advice on health promotion and illness prevention.

It is essential to get the balance right between personal and social responsibility for preventative health and we recognise that in some cases people – and organisations – need support, education and information to help them to move to healthier lifestyles.

The Rudd Government is taking concrete steps to improve Australia's health and hospital system after twelve years of neglect by the previous Coalition Government.

This consultation is the first to focus specifically on preventative health, and the 65th across the country to road-test the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission's proposed reforms.

The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission report made recommendations for system-wide changes to Australian health care.

At today’s preventative health consultation Ms Roxon outlined recommendations on prevention in each of the three reports, and met with key industry and health organisations to discuss their ideas on how their organisations can assist to improve health outcomes around the country.

All Australians are also able to contribute to the national debate on our health system via the yourHealth.gov.au website – and full copies of these reports can be found there.

For more information contact the Minister’s office on 02 6277 7220