The Primary Prevention Section of the Population Health Division in the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care is responsible for a number of issues including food and nutrition, overweight and obesity and physical activity. Public health nutrition focuses on nutrition issues affecting the whole population rather than the specific dietary needs of individuals. A healthy diet is fundamental to the maintenance of good health and well being.
Good nutrition benefits almost every aspect of our health, from birth to old age.
While many Australians enjoy a varied and healthy diet, there is still considerable room for improvement. Health problems that are linked to poor nutrition, such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, place an enormous burden on individuals, families and society as a whole. National public health nutrition strategy The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care is taking a leading role in maintaining and improving the nutritional status of Australians through the development of a National Public Health Nutrition Strategy including an action plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nutrition that will span a 10 year period. The strategy, currently in draft format, will be finalised mid-2000. Following its evaluation in 1995, it was recognised that a more strategic approach was required to progress public health nutrition issues on a national basis.