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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-10-27 Daily Xml
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OBESITY PREVENTION AND LIFESTYLE

Mr ODENWALDER (Little Para) (14:55): My question is for the Minister for Health. How have South Australia's measures to combat obesity been nationally recognised?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts) (14:55): I notice there is some very nervous laughter from some members of this house, and I will not comment.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! There will be no debate across the floor. The minister will not answer interjections from across the floor. It is getting very close for a couple of people.

The Hon. J.D. HILL: Madam Speaker, I will not address interjections, but I hope I can get through my answer without suffering any further. For the past two years, the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society has announced which states are Australia's best and worst performing in relation to obesity prevention. The winner receives the Gold Medal Award and the loser receives the Couch Potato Award.

I am very pleased to announce that this year South Australia was given a gold medal as the most outstanding state, and we shared the prize with Western Australia. South Australia won this year after ranking fourth in 2008 and second in 2009. This year we toppled Queensland, which won in previous two years. Dr Anna Peeters, a public health researcher from Monash University and spokesperson for the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society said:

South Australia's leadership is demonstrated by a strategic and integrated approach across government, from social marketing, through capacity building, to health services and urban design.

The awards are given on the basis of rating and comparing progress across a range of obesity prevention priorities, including enabling cheaper and easier access to healthy food, reducing the marketing and promotion of unhealthy foods, and creating opportunities for exercise through better urban design and access to facilities.

The ratings are determined by people from outside of government, such as academics and non-government organisations such as the Cancer Council. A number of South Australian initiatives were commended, including the Eat Well Be Active Healthy Weight Strategy and the expansion of the flagship Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) program.

Launched in March 2009, OPAL is the single biggest health promotion initiative in South Australia. The aim of OPAL is to change the cultural norms of the community by bringing together schools, health services, businesses, community organisations, retailers and local government to work together to produce community-wide solutions to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

Practical action on the ground revolves around particular themes. Theme 1 was 'Water. The original cool drink' based on the advice that soft drink consumption poses a serious threat to the weight and, of course, oral health of children. Steps taken have included new water fountains in public places, water tastings with children and successful initiatives to reduce the price of water, resulting in increased sales at sporting organisations. This has been well received by the communities.

The current theme is 'Give the screen a rest. Active play is best!' in recognition of the risks of too much sedentary time. The themes are informed by the advice of the OPAL Scientific Committee, chaired by internationally recognised Professor Boyd Swinburn of Deakin University. The committee includes many of South Australia's best academics in this field and they are committed to ensuring the effective implementation and evaluation of OPAL.

There is also an OPAL Strategic Advisory Committee, which involves a range of key stakeholders who can provide a broader range of advice and act as ambassadors and spokespersons for OPAL. Representatives of the Heart Foundation, the Cancer Council, school principals, general practice, school parents and others are also involved. Rachael Sporn was invited to provide leadership to OPAL communities. This has involved her visiting different OPAL events, and she has obviously been very popular with the kids.

The initial six councils were Port Augusta, Mount Gambier, Playford, Salisbury, Onkaparinga and Marion. These are all well underway, having commenced in September 2009. Another four councils commenced OPAL sites in September 2010: Charles Sturt, Port Adelaide Enfield, Copper Coast and Whyalla. Another five are expected to come on board in the middle of next year and five more the year after.

Preventing obesity remains a challenge right around the world. The South Australian government is supporting a comprehensive range of policies and programs with OPAL of particular interest to those interested in improving the health and well-being of children and their families.

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