Healthy interest is vital
THE Palaszczuk Government’s Healthy Futures Commission, announced this week, is about creating a better future for all Queenslanders.
Each year our public health system strains under the pressure of increasing rates of chronic disease and obesity and the avoidable hospital admissions that follow.
In the Townsville Hospital and Health Service area, we know that 30.7 per cent ( 13,133) of children and 61.7 per cent ( 111,916) of adults are overweight or obese.
Across Queensland, it’s estimated 26 per cent of children and 59 per cent of adults are overweight or obese.
It’s clear from these figures that we need to adopt a new approach.
We must do better for our kids and for all Queenslanders so we can ensure obesity and chronic disease don’t define who we are as Queenslanders and become an intergenerational burden.
The commission’s work will focus on the next generation of Queenslanders, our children and young people, and their families.
We will invest in innovative ideas through sporting, community and business partnerships and create environments and oppor- tunities that improve the health and wellbeing of Queensland kids and their families.
But we cannot do this alone. All of us have a role to play because healthier eating and lifestyles start in the home.
Childhood is a crucial time for setting lifelong behaviours.
The more we can do to empower and help young Queenslanders and Queensland families, the better chance we have at reducing obesity and chronic disease rates across the state. In establishing the Healthy Futures Commission, our Government aims to promote healthy behaviours, including healthier food choices and more exercise for physical health benefits, so we can realise our vision for Queenslanders to be among the healthiest people in the world by 2026.
I’ve been disappointed by the comments of some Liberal National Party members who have publicly indicated they do not sup- port this commission and, in turn, support Queenslanders.
Obesity and its long- term impact on the health of Queenslanders ought to be a subject which is beyond politics.
We need all political parties to support this important initiative so we can collectively do what’s best for Queensland children, young people and families.
CAMERON DICK, Minister for Health and
Ambulance Services.