There are many benefits of increased physical activity, including enhanced health, education, transport, economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The Australian Physical Activity Alliance, led by the Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity (ASPA), has issued a Call to Action to encourage the next Federal government to help more Australians to enjoy the benefits of moving more.

Despite the well-established advantages of physical activity, only 22% of adults aged 18–64 years met the Australian physical activity guidelines in 2022, with particularly low levels of muscle-strengthening exercise. The prevalence is even lower among children and adolescents, and these rates have remained unchanged for decades. In terms of health expenditure, physical inactivity in Australia accounted for approximately $2.4 billion in health spending in 2018-19, placing it among the top 10 contributors to poor health. Nevertheless, little funding is allocated to initiatives aimed at helping people to be more active.

The Federal Election Recommendations outlined by the Australian Physical Activity Alliance include six key policy priorities that would set Australia on a path to a more active and healthy nation:

1. Fund Development and Implementation of a National Physical Activity Action Plan: This plan will help the government achieve national preventive health and obesity reduction targets, and meet international commitments to the WHO Global Action Plans on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Physical Activity.
2. Implement a National Active Schools Fund: Schools provide a cost-effective opportunity to reach most Australian children and adolescents. Funding resources that support whole-of-school approach to physical activity is recommended, involving high-quality physical education classes, classroom activity breaks, and active lessons.
3. Implement a Nationwide Active Transport Infrastructure Program: Investing in active transport infrastructure will enhance health, wellbeing, and the economy by reducing inactivity, traffic congestion, and CO2 pollution.
4. Fund Physical Activity Pre- and Post-Service Training Programs for Health Professionals: Health professionals play a crucial role in promoting physical activity, but don’t always have the skills or expertise to talk about physical activity. Providing health carer training can increase health practitioners’ confidence to help boost physical activity levels.
5. Commit Ongoing Funding to National Walking Programs: Walking is the most prevalent physically active recreation pastime reported by adults and older adults. Programs like the 10,000 Steps and Heart Foundation Walking have demonstrated important health and social benefits and need sustained funding.
6. Fund Implementation and Promotion of National Physical Activity Guidelines: The new 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults and Older Adults will be launched in this year. To optimise uptake, it is vital that these guidelines are supported by a funded implementation plan and a communications strategy.

Download the Call to Action document here to share and learn more: A Call to Action: Supporting More Australians to be More Physically Active PDF

The Australian Physical Activity Alliance is urging the government to prioritise and coordinate investments to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviour. This is an important opportunity to make critical investments in key preventive health priorities and support a healthier, more active Australia.

The Call to Action has been so far supported by ASPA members and allies including the Australian Health Promotion Association, Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability, ACHPER, Better Streets, IPAN at Deakin University, the Public Health Association of Australia, Tasmanian Active Living Coalition, We Ride, and 10,000 Steps.

ASPA members can promote the Call to Action by amplifying posts on social media, download and share our social media cards below and sharing the call to action with your local Federal member and candidates. Organisations wishing to formally support the call to action should contact Peter McCue.

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Download ‘A Call to Action: Supporting More Australians to be More Physically Active‘ using the button below.

Social Media Cards

Download the PDF or save the images below: ASPA Call to Action: Social media cards PDF download