"Prevention must become the business of state and federal Treasuries, and of leaders in the private sector."

"Engage key leaders and build new partnerships across federal, state and territory governments, national agencies, professional associations, local government, peak community groups, non government organisations, the private sector, the philanthropic sector and academia."

"However, our need for knowledge should not stop action – we must act now on the basis of what we know, following the best practice and advice available, and learning by doing."

" ■       diverse forms of partnerships to develop and implement innovative approaches"

"Based on current trends there is an urgent and immediate need to address the growing prevalence of obesity and overweight in Australia."

"The benefit of acting now

• The Australian healthcare system could save $1.5 billion annually if more people were physically active for 30 minutes a day (based on the gross cost of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions attributable to physical inactivity related to direct public and private health expenditure][30]

• Weight loss in people who are overweight and obese improves physical, metabolic, endocrine and psychological complications. Obesity-related deaths can be reduced through weight loss – even a modest loss of 5–10% of body weight can lead to significant health benefits(24)

• As well as helping in weight loss and the prevention of weight gain, being physically active can also help prevent type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of some cancers and contribute to mental health wellbeing[28]

• A healthier diet can help in the reduction of high blood fat (for example, cholesterol levels), one of the conditions placing significant pressure on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, as well as providing many other health benefits[28]

• As BMI increases, so do length of hospital stay, medical consultations and use of medication.[31] Halting current increases in BMI will therefore assist in preventing associated cost rises

• Strategies that are effective in halting and/or reducing the rise in population BMI will benefit national productivity. Obesity was associated with over four million days lost from Australian workplaces in 2001. Obese employees tend to be absent from work due to illness significantly more often than obese workers, and for a longer period of time, and they are less likely to be in the labour force[32]

For newly emerging areas of health risk – such as obesity – there are benefits from adopting a ‘learning by doing’ approach."

"Are the priorities for action appropriate? If you do not think they are appropriate, or have other suggestions, what would you propose we do as a nation to halt the toll of early deaths and disease caused by overweight and obesity?

"If you do not support these actions and investment, or have other suggestions, what would you propose we do as a nation to halt the toll of early deaths and disease caused by smoking?"

"There is an urgent need to improve public safety by curbing rising levels of intoxication, reducing alcohol-fuelled violent and disruptive behaviour on the street and in the home, stepping up efforts to further reduce drink driving, and ensuring that the abuse and neglect of children through alcohol consumption is addressed."

"Do you support the development of a National Prevention Agency to lead and guide coordinated action for prevention?  Is the suggested approach adequate?  If not, or if you have other suggestions, what else should be considered?"

"A good monitoring system is essential for Preventive health reform to work and to ensure that Commonwealth, state and territory activity is regularly reviewed. It can also play a critical role to assist learning, as well as assessing performance. In addition, beyond the compilation of data, there are several important principles...... Are these measurements appropriate?  If not, what would you propose?"

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