PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
MEDIA RELEASE
ALL PARTIES URGED TO SUPPORT NATIONAL
PREVENTION AGENCY
The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) has urged all parties to support legislation
now in the Senate to establish Australia's first National Preventive Health Agency.
PHAA President Professor Mike Daube said, "This is one of the most important measures by
any government for many years to improve the health of the Australian community. It was a
key recommendation of the 2020 Summit, the Health and Hospitals Reform Commission and
the National Preventative Health Taskforce. This is a landmark development that will do
much to save lives, and to reduce our national toll from tobacco, alcohol and the rising tide
of obesity. We cannot understand any moves to delay the Agency, given that it
attracted cross-party support in the Lower House".
"We would be deeply concerned at any moves to delay the legislation and the
establishment of the National Preventive Health Agency. While we recognise the
importance of debate and refining the details of legislation, it will be a tragedy for the
health of all Australians if the Agency is not established as intended on January 1.
The Agency is also a vital means of progressing the recommendations of the Prevention
Taskforce.”
We urge all parties to support the establishment of the National Preventive Health Agency
at the earliest possible opportunity."
For further information/comment:
Professor Mike Daube, President, Public Health Association of Australia:
0409 933 933
Michael Moore, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia:
0417 249 731
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