From Clinical Advice to Community Action
A new national referral model to strengthen preventative healthcare and improve health outcomes for Australians.
Building stronger connections between healthcare and physical activity
AUSactive is taking the next step in its commitment to addressing chronic disease in Australia with the release of its latest White Paper, From Clinical Advice to Community Action: A National Referral Model to Enhance Preventative Health in Australia.
Launched at the Active Australia Summit in Canberra on 11 August 2026, the White Paper outlines a proposed nationally consistent referral model designed to strengthen the connection between Australia’s healthcare system and accredited active health and exercise professionals.
The proposed model would enable appropriate patients to be referred from general practice, hospitals, community health and mental health services into accredited exercise and active health services while maintaining strong connections back to their healthcare providers.
Why this matters
Australia continues to face a growing burden of chronic disease. Improving access to structured exercise through clear, nationally consistent referral pathways has the potential to strengthen preventative healthcare, improve patient outcomes and better connect healthcare providers with accredited exercise professionals.
The proposed referral model aims to:
- Create nationally consistent referral pathways.
- Improve access to accredited exercise and active health professionals.
- Strengthen preventative healthcare.
- Support better long-term health outcomes for Australians.
- Enhance collaboration between healthcare providers and the active health sector.
Launched at the Active Australia Summit
The White Paper was officially launched at the Active Australia Summit on 11 August 2026 in Canberra, bringing together leaders from government, healthcare, academia, advocacy organisations and the active health sector to discuss its recommendations and explore opportunities to strengthen preventative healthcare in Australia.
Industry Consultation
Following the Summit, AUSactive will undertake a comprehensive 6–9 month industry consultation process to gather feedback, refine the proposed referral model and ensure it reflects the needs of healthcare providers, accredited exercise professionals and the communities they serve.
This collaborative approach will help shape a practical, evidence-informed model that supports stronger connections between healthcare and physical activity across Australia.
Access the White Paper
Discover AUSactive’s proposed national referral model and learn how stronger connections between healthcare and accredited active health and exercise professionals can support preventative healthcare across Australia.
Complete the form below to access your copy of the White Paper.
