The industrial and professional organisation for nurses and midwives in Australia
Canberra Office (Professional Services)
Unit 3, 28 Eyre Street Kingston ACT 2604
Australia
PO Box 4239 Kingston ACT 2604 Australia
+ 61 2 6232 6533 (T) + 61 2 6232 6610 (F)
anfcanberra@anf.org.au
Melbourne Office (Industrial Services)
Level 1, 365 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia
+ 61 3 9602 8500 (T) + 61 3 9602 8567 (F)
industrial@anf.org.au
anfmelbourne@anf.org.au
ANF Journals
Australian Nursing Journal
Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing
anj@anf.org.au ajan@anf.org.au
ABN 41 816 898 298
media release
27 October 2009
Preventative health agency vital for nation’s health
The Australian Nursing Federation is calling on the Federal Opposition and all
Senators to support the creation of a National Preventative Health Agency
that has the potential to save lives and reduce Australia’s chronic disease
burden.
ANF Federal Secretary Ged Kearney said the Agency would play a vital role
in combating the increase in diseases related to obesity, smoking and
excessive alcohol consumption.
“The federal government’s proposal to establish this Agency was very well
received by nurses and other health professionals because it signaled a shift
away from simply treating a raft of chronic diseases that are in many cases
preventable,” Ms Kearney said.
“I cannot understand why any politician would be opposed to legislation that
aimed to improve the health outcomes of all Australians. There is no need to
wait for more reports or recommendations before creating an Agency that is
dedicated to preventative health. It is time for some action on health reform
and that is why nurses and consumers welcome initiatives that will make a
difference.”
Ms Kearney said the legislation should have bi-partisan support and not be
used for political point scoring.
Media inquiries
Ged Kearney, Federal Secretary
0417 053 322
Lee Thomas, Assistant Federal Secretary
0419 576 590
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