ROBERTSON CALLS FEDERAL GOVT TO ACTION ON OBESITY
Published Wednesday, 18 October, 2006 at 01:06 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Hospitals in Queensland and across Australia will cripple under the growing obesity epidemic if Federal Government inaction continues, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson said today’s Access Economics report was yet another reminder to all Australians that obesity is the single biggest health issue confronting the country.
“The total cost of obesity in Australia is estimated at $21 billion – that is double the cost of Medicare,” Mr Robertson said.
“It also does not include the financial costs of ‘overweight’ people in the community so the burden of excess weight would be far more than $21 billion.
“The number of obese Australians could double to 7.2 million in the next 20 years.
“The figures in today’s report should sound alarm bells for the Howard Government. There is now overwhelming research and evidence to snap them into action.
“They’ve sat back and pointed the finger at parents and individuals while the epidemic has spun out of control and has threatened to cripple our hospitals permanently.
“Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott consistently says it has got nothing to do with him.
“The simple fact is that this is a national problem requiring national action.
“There is a lot more the Federal Government can do to support individuals, families and the wider community in making healthier choices.”
Mr Robertson said the Queensland Government would welcome any meaningful partnership the Federal Government brought to the table.
“The Beattie Government is doing everything possible to tackle obesity in Queensland,” he said.
“Since last year, we’ve been implementing a $157 million Chronic Disease Strategy focussing on prevention and early detection of chronic diseases.
“Last year we also launch an ‘Eat Well, Be Active – Healthy Kids for Life’ strategy which has over 100 initiatives for healthier children.
“In addition we are implementing a $21 million Obesity Package which was announced after Queensland held its first Obesity Summit in May this year.
“Just yesterday, the Premier launched a $10 million grants program to help Queensland communities deliver their own programs to combat obesity.
“In fact, Queensland is investing more money to combat overweight and obesity than any other state or territory.”
“In contrast, the Federal Government has done very little.
“Earlier this year Prime Minister John Howard ordered that national ministerial debate about junk food advertising be shut down.
“Mr Abbott relaunched a healthy weight website he launched three years ago and announced yet another national obesity taskforce after taxpayers have already funded one for several years.”
18 October, 2006
MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185 or 0409 069 056
Mr Robertson said today’s Access Economics report was yet another reminder to all Australians that obesity is the single biggest health issue confronting the country.
“The total cost of obesity in Australia is estimated at $21 billion – that is double the cost of Medicare,” Mr Robertson said.
“It also does not include the financial costs of ‘overweight’ people in the community so the burden of excess weight would be far more than $21 billion.
“The number of obese Australians could double to 7.2 million in the next 20 years.
“The figures in today’s report should sound alarm bells for the Howard Government. There is now overwhelming research and evidence to snap them into action.
“They’ve sat back and pointed the finger at parents and individuals while the epidemic has spun out of control and has threatened to cripple our hospitals permanently.
“Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott consistently says it has got nothing to do with him.
“The simple fact is that this is a national problem requiring national action.
“There is a lot more the Federal Government can do to support individuals, families and the wider community in making healthier choices.”
Mr Robertson said the Queensland Government would welcome any meaningful partnership the Federal Government brought to the table.
“The Beattie Government is doing everything possible to tackle obesity in Queensland,” he said.
“Since last year, we’ve been implementing a $157 million Chronic Disease Strategy focussing on prevention and early detection of chronic diseases.
“Last year we also launch an ‘Eat Well, Be Active – Healthy Kids for Life’ strategy which has over 100 initiatives for healthier children.
“In addition we are implementing a $21 million Obesity Package which was announced after Queensland held its first Obesity Summit in May this year.
“Just yesterday, the Premier launched a $10 million grants program to help Queensland communities deliver their own programs to combat obesity.
“In fact, Queensland is investing more money to combat overweight and obesity than any other state or territory.”
“In contrast, the Federal Government has done very little.
“Earlier this year Prime Minister John Howard ordered that national ministerial debate about junk food advertising be shut down.
“Mr Abbott relaunched a healthy weight website he launched three years ago and announced yet another national obesity taskforce after taxpayers have already funded one for several years.”
18 October, 2006
MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185 or 0409 069 056