AUSactive Meets with Assistant Minister for Health to Advance Preventative Health and Exercise Integration
AUSactive recently met with Assistant Minister for Health Rebecca White MP to discuss preventative health advocacy and the growing role of accredited exercise professionals in improving health outcomes for Australians. The meeting focused on prevention, early intervention and stronger integration of exercise into Australia's healthcare system.
The discussion highlighted several opportunities for collaboration between the Australian Government and the exercise and active health sector. Together, these initiatives can help create healthier communities while reducing long-term pressure on the health system.
Preventative Health Advocacy Supports Better Health Outcomes
Preventative health was a key focus throughout the meeting. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve quality of life and support healthier ageing.
The discussion focused on several national priorities, including:
- Women's health, including perimenopause and menopause
- Healthy ageing
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
- Dementia prevention
- Long-term health system sustainability
In addition, AUSactive highlighted the growing evidence showing that exercise improves physical and mental health while reducing healthcare costs.
Prescribing Movement Can Strengthen Integrated Healthcare
Another important topic was AUSactive's proposed Prescribing Movement model, which is currently under development.
The model aims to make it easier for GPs, specialists and allied health professionals to refer patients to accredited exercise professionals. As a result, more Australians could access evidence-based exercise as part of their overall healthcare.
The meeting also explored how exercise supports people using GLP-1 medications. Regular physical activity can help preserve muscle mass, maintain bone health and improve long-term treatment outcomes.
Supporting Older Australians Through Exercise
AUSactive also discussed the impact of recent Support at Home reforms.
The organisation raised concerns about reduced access to community-based exercise programs for older Australians. Therefore, AUSactive advocated for restoring My Aged Care funding for accredited exercise professional-led group programs, including Smoother Movers®.
These programs help older Australians improve mobility, increase strength, maintain independence and build valuable social connections.
Public Health Education Remains a Shared Priority
The meeting also identified opportunities to work together on future public health campaigns.
Key topics included:
- Unregulated supplements
- Peptides
- Harmful social media trends such as “lookmaxxing”
- Furthermore, AUSactive highlighted its recently released Eating Disorders and Excessive Exercise Guidelines. These resources help support safe participation in physical activity and promote positive health behaviours.
The organisation also provided an update on its proposed National Program, which is being developed in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council.
Continuing Preventative Health Advocacy
Overall, the meeting demonstrated strong alignment between AUSactive's priorities and the Australian Government's preventative health agenda.
Looking ahead, AUSactive will continue its preventative health advocacy by working with government and industry partners to strengthen workforce integration, improve access to accredited exercise professionals and support healthier Australians.
Through ongoing collaboration, AUSactive remains committed to advancing preventative health, promoting evidence-based exercise and helping build a healthier future for all Australians.
