Shadow Minister for Health Promotion, Kate Lundy today outlined a Rudd Labor Government’s commitment to a comprehensive health agenda that is about helping people live healthy, active lives as well as treating them when they are sick.
In her speech Senator Lundy noted the traditional Australian self image as a nation of sports loving, fit and friendly characters and lamented the fact that Australians are now the second most obese population in the world.
The growth in the incidence of chronic disease may well mean that this generation of children will be the first to have a lower average life expectancy than that of their parents.
Labor recognises that the rising costs of acute health care are unsustainable for all levels of Government.
The Productivity Commission Report released this morning, the Potential Benefits of the National Reform Agenda was clear in indicating the importance of health promotion when suggesting that the enhancement of workforce participation and productivity through health promotion and disease prevention could potentially result in increases in GDP of around 6 percent and 3 percent, respectively, after 25 or more years.
Labor will use evidence based research to guide our initiatives and will make the most of the research effort that has been ignored by the Howard Government. We are particularly mindful of the social determinants of health and will pay due attention to ensuring equitable access to health services whatever their nature, Senator Lundy told the Senate.
A Rudd Labor Government will work to restore the balance in the health system by increasing physical activity and improving the focus on nutrition to help all Australians to lead healthy and active lives.
Contact: Taryn Langdon 6277 3334 or 0417 148 059
