Federal funding not enough for our kids
May 21, 2014
Following the release of Active Healthy Kids Australia’s first Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People today, the nation’s peak body for exercise and sports science, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), has raised concerns regarding the limited amount of government funding allocated to physical activity education programs as part of the 2014 federal budget.
ESSA Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said the results of the report card were alarming and indicated significantly more funding was required to improve the health of younger generations over the long term.
“The report card revealed approximately 80 per cent of 5-17 year olds are not meeting the Australian physical activity guidelines of at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. It also assigned Australian children a ‘D-minus’ result for overall physical activity levels as well as participation in active transportation such as walking or cycling, which is simply unacceptable,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“As a country that prides itself on its sporting identity and participation, this is really disappointing. More needs to be done to protect our children from preventable diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which are often triggered by low physical activity levels.”
Ms Hobson-Powell welcomed the $100 million allocated by the Coalition for the Sporting Schools Initiative — which will assist schools to run sport-based physical activity sessions — but said it was disappointing to see the federal budget had not placed more of a focus on educating Australians about the importance of physical activity or support services and programs to help families change their sedentary behaviours.
“Unless our children and their parents are made aware of the risks associated with sedentary behaviour and taught about the value of physical activity, we risk our future generation carrying negative exercise habits into adulthood,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“This has the potential to place even greater strain on our health system, which is already under pressure, and significantly impact our economy through productivity losses, absenteeism, premature death and losses in earnings and taxation revenue.”
“It’s crucial that education and support programs that encourage activities like walking and cycling to school and minimise time spent on electronics are funded if we’re to build a healthier Australia.”
To find out more about ESSA or locate an Accredited Exercise Physiologist in your area that can develop a tailored physical activity program to suit your family’s needs, visit www.essa.org.au.
// Ends.
Media contact: Maya Gurry — Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0410 109 102
E: maya@freshprm.com.au
About ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its 3,500-plus members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
Official media spokesperson for this release:
Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
327 Sandgate Road Albion QLD 4010
E: Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
P: 07 3862 4122
M: 0400 519 800
[nggallery id=51]
