The governments National Preventative Health Taskforce
National Preventative Health taskforce is a great initiative by the Federal Government but like all government papers will it be carried through by the relevant departments and authorities.
To draw a comparision to the numerous studies preceding the Edgington Report into transport infra structure, nothing was done to implement the recommendations: improving public transport by extending the rail networks, for example the train line out to Templestowe which was a major growth corridor.
After 20 years we still do not have the train line.
Without a co oridinated approach to the Taskforce discussion papers, will this initiative be relegated to the same pile of reports as earlier transport studies?
There is no shortage of papers recommending ways to combat obesity, diabetes and alcohol abuse yet we keep creating these documents.
Go for your life is one such initiative which introduced it’s Strategic Plan for 2006-2010
I liken it re furbishing your kitchen, buying all the latest cook books, and kitchen appliances, watching cooking shows and not having the time to cook.
Secondly these issues need to be co-ordianated at a Federal, State and local level.
Presently some municiplaities are making it harder for people to exercise in the local parks.
Unfortunately any proposal to change an individuals behaviour will result in upseting groups in our community.
Change is always resisted especially when there are economic consequences be it at a consumer or corporate level.

