Between November 2019 and February 2020, the national obesity strategy Working Group asked for feedback on a proposed framework and ideas to be included in a national obesity strategy.
On 31 August 2021, the Health Chief Executive Forum agreed to support public consultation on the draft national obesity strategy.
During September and October 2021, the national obesity strategy Working Group will be seeking feedback on the draft national obesity strategy from all stakeholders. We look forward to receiving your comments. Details of how you can provide feedback will be posted on this webpage in the coming weeks.
November 2019 - February 2020
Across the country, 604 Australians engaged in community events. In addition, 1,038 short-form and 342 long-form surveys were completed, and 35 stand-alone submissions were received. Some further targeted consultation was also progressed with three priority groups (people with disability, young people, older people).
Respondents proposed a range of ideas and suggestions for what could be included in a national obesity strategy, with most highly supportive of a comprehensive strategy. The feedback received is appreciated.
Consultants reviewed and analysed all the feedback received in the 2019/20 national public consultation and prepared consultation reports.
Despite the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic response, the national obesity strategy Working Group has considered all feedback and progressed the development of the national obesity strategy.
The national obesity strategy Working Group released the full report (PDF), and summary report (PDF) (Word versions below) from the 2019/20 national public consultation, which were approved by the then Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. The reports summarise the main themes and ideas arising from the consultation and key areas from the Consultation Paper that were supported by those engaged in the consultation process. There are three additional appendices to the full report (Appendix B (PDF), Appendix C (PDF), Appendix D (PDF)).
Background reports for the engagement activities of the 2019/20 national public consultation, and a compendium of additional written submissions are available, upon request, by emailing the Chair of the national obesity strategy Working Group at NOS_Secretariat@health.qld.gov.au.
Have your say on a national obesity strategy.
Overweight and obesity is an issue affecting our whole community. Take action and join in the consultations on a national obesity strategy. You can be a part of creating a healthier future.
A range of social, environmental and economic factors contribute to obesity and impact a person’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. If the current trend continues, more than 18 million Australians (two-thirds of our projected population) will be overweight or obese by 2030.
To address this significant public health challenge, the Australian and state and territory governments through the COAG Health Council have agreed to develop a national obesity strategy.
A range of ideas and options have been developed and are in the Consultation Paper. This is accompanied by a Summary Consultation Paper.
These ideas are based on information gathered from two evidence reviews (Population level strategies support healthy weight and Addressing social commercial determinants healthy weight), a practice review and the outcomes of the Senate Select Committee Inquiry into the Obesity Epidemic (2018) and a National Obesity Summit in 2019.
How to have your say
Open consultation is an opportunity to have your say to help shape a national obesity strategy.
The consultations close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 15 December 2019.
There are a range of ways you can provide input.
Surveys
There are two types of surveys:
The surveys close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 15 December 2019.
While completing the surveys you may want to refer to the Consultation Paper or the Summary Consultation Paper. The Consultation Paper provides details of the proposed framework and ideas for consideration to be included in a national obesity strategy. You may also wish to download the word version of the survey to review prior to submitting your response online.
An Easy Read version of the summary paper is available with key questions for discussion or for people to have their say.
Community forums
Seven community forums are being held across the country, in most states and territories, during November and December 2019.
These face-to-face community consultations include:
Open community forums - held in seven locations, providing an opportunity to discuss issues and ideas with a range of stakeholders and community members. A list of forums is provided below. Click on your location to register to attend a forum.
Community discussions - held in several regional and other communities, these conversations are a way to share your ideas. To express interest in participating in a discussion group or other activity at one of the locations listed, contact The Social Deck at engage@thesocialdeck.com
National webinar - An interactive consultation webinar will be held in December (date to be confirmed). This is open to anyone to join via an online link, however you will need to register your interest here.
[each event below will link to an Eventbrite registration]
|
Date |
Engagement type |
Locations |
|
5-6 November |
Community discussions |
Darwin, NT |
|
8 November |
Open community forum |
|
|
11/12 November |
Community discussions |
Townsville, QLD |
|
12/13 November |
Community discussions |
Charters Towers, QLD |
|
13/14 November |
Community discussions |
Mackay, QLD |
|
20 November |
Open community forum |
|
|
26/27 November |
Community discussions |
Armidale, NSW |
|
27/28 November |
Community discussions |
Inverell, NSW |
|
28/29 November |
Community discussions |
Moree, NSW |
|
28 November |
Open community forum |
|
|
3 December |
Community discussions |
Ballarat, VIC |
|
3 December |
Open community forum |
|
|
4 December |
Open community forum |
|
|
4 December |
Open community forum |
|
|
5 December |
Community discussions |
Melbourne, VIC |
|
9 December |
Open community forum |
|
|
10 December |
Community discussions |
Launceston, TAS |
|
10 December |
Information gathered during these consultations will help to inform the new national obesity strategy to be considered by COAG Health Council later in 2020.
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