The Australian Physical Activity Alliance, led by the Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity (ASPA), has released a Call to Action urging the next Federal Government to prioritise physical activity as a national health, education, transport, and economic priority.
Despite clear benefits, only 22% of Australian adults met national physical activity guidelines in 2022, with even lower rates among children and adolescents. Physical inactivity cost the health system an estimated $2.4 billion in 2018–19, yet investment remains limited.
The Call to Action outlines six key policy priorities to help create a more active and healthier nation:
- Fund Development and Implementation of a National Physical Activity Action Plan: This plan will help the government achieve national preventive health and obesity reduction targets, and meet international commitments to the WHO Global Action Plans on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Physical Activity.
- Implement a National Active Schools Fund: Schools provide a cost-effective opportunity to reach most Australian children and adolescents. Funding resources that support whole-of-school approach to physical activity is recommended, involving high-quality physical education classes, classroom activity breaks, and active lessons.
- Implement a Nationwide Active Transport Infrastructure Program: Investing in active transport infrastructure will enhance health, wellbeing, and the economy by reducing inactivity, traffic congestion, and CO2 pollution.
- Fund Physical Activity Pre- and Post-Service Training Programs for Health Professionals: Health professionals play a crucial role in promoting physical activity, but don’t always have the skills or expertise to talk about physical activity. Providing health carer training can increase health practitioners’ confidence to help boost physical activity levels.
- Commit Ongoing Funding to National Walking Programs: Walking is the most prevalent physically active recreation pastime reported by adults and older adults. Programs like the 10,000 Steps and Heart Foundation Walking have demonstrated important health and social benefits and need sustained funding.
- Fund Implementation and Promotion of National Physical Activity Guidelines: The new 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults and Older Adults will be launched in this year. To optimise uptake, it is vital that these guidelines are supported by a funded implementation plan and a communications strategy.
AHPA joins other key organisations in supporting this important initiative. We encourage members and allies to:
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Download and read the Call to Action.
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Share it with your networks and local Federal candidates.
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Amplify ASPA’s social media posts and download the social media cards to help spread the word.