Taking Preventative Action
1. Preventative Health Taskforce
Since 2007, the Commonwealth has made preventative health a key element of its reform agenda. In April 2008, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, announced the National Preventative Health Taskforce to develop strategies to tackle the health challenges caused by tobacco, alcohol and obesity.
The Taskforce comprised:
- Professor Rob Moodie (Chair), Chair of Global Health, Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne;
- Professor Mike Daube (Deputy Chair), Professor of Health Policy, Cur tin University of Technology;
- Professor Paul Zimmet, Director Emeritus and Director of International Research, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute;
- Ms Kate Carnell, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Food and Grocery Council (from July 2008);
- Dr Lyn Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, National Hear t Foundation of Australia;
- Dr Shaun Larkin, Hospitals’ Contribution Fund;
- Professor Leonie Segal, Foundation Chair in Health Economics, University of South Australia;
- Dr Christine Connors, Nor thern Territory Department of Health & Community Services (Australian Health Ministers’ Conference (AHMC) nominee); and
- Dr Linda Selvey, Queensland Health (AHMC nominee, until August 2009).
The Taskforce’s membership included extensive experience in preventative health and a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between population health, primary care and areas outside the health portfolio.
Three expert working groups covering the areas of alcohol, tobacco, and obesity were also established to support the Taskforce in developing strategies and preventative health programs. These working groups were chaired by Professor Rob Moodie, Professor Mike Daube and Dr Lyn Roberts respectively. Each working group also co-opted experts to assist in providing advice to the Taskforce.
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