The development of a National Preventative Health Agency has won the support of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).
A Bill for the development of the Agency was reintroduced to Federal Parliament this week and will involve setting up a separate agency to address obesity, alcohol abuse and smoking issues with a focus on keeping Australian’s healthy.
The Bill will also establish the Agency’s Advisory Council – consisting of government, industry and non-government experts – to advise the on key preventative health issues.
AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said a broad representation of members from various sectors was necessary to ensure an effective Council.
“It’s essential that the Council has adequate representation from industry to ensure a balanced approach to preventative health so it can provide real value to all Australians.”
The National Preventative Health Agency, recommended as part of the Government’s National Preventive Health Taskforce strategy released in September last year, will be responsible for preventative health advertising, policy advice, health surveillance, consultation and research.