The Turnbull Government response to today’s release of the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC’s) AusPlay survey results is nothing more than political grandstanding and does nothing to help our children make healthier choices.
With the Abbott-Turnbull Government ripping $368 million out of prevention and forcing the closure of a program to encourage healthy eating and physical activity, the Liberals have zero credibility when it comes to the future of our children’s health.
This Government has a horrible track record when it comes to health promotion and prevention. The Abbott-Turnbull Government forced the end to the Healthy Children program, which provided funding to states and territories to run physical activity and healthy eating programs for children in schools, early childhood centres and preschools.
The Abbott-Turnbull Government also abolished the Australian National Preventive Health Agency – getting rid of its own best source of advice on keeping Australians healthy. And Australia continues to lack a National Physical Activity Strategy, lagging behind other countries who are already achieving results.
At the same time, the Government has cut more than $10 million from the Australian Sporting Commission while ongoing efficiency dividend measures are further reducing the ASC’s funds by millions of dollars each year. These cuts are real and are having a real and increasing impact on children’s sporting programs across the country.
The Government needs to get serious and take action about getting Australia healthier – otherwise our children will be left in last place.
FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2016