PERSPECTIVE : REFLECTIONS OF INDUSTRY LEADERS
PREVENTION
IS BETTER THAN CURE
With research demonstrating that a dollar spent in preventative health generates a multiple dollar return in terms of physical and mental health improvements , it ’ s time for the government to join the dots , argues CEO of Fitness Australia , Barrie Elvish .
Y ou don ’ t need me to remind you
how much of a disruption COVID has been to the health and exercise sectors . Although we know the past fifteen months has been ‘ unprecedented ’, a time of ‘ pivots ’ and stop-start races , it has at least brought the importance of exercise front and centre .
Without fail , every State Premier , Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer has joined the Prime Minister and their Federal counterparts in emphasising the importance of exercise during COVIDinduced lockdowns and subsequent recovery periods . These calls reflect the now accepted fact that exercise plays a critical role in improving not just the physical health of Australians , but their mental wellbeing as well - a reality I can attest to from my own personal experiences .
But this is where the positive news stops . Four decades ago a Victorian public health initiative , ‘ Life . Be in it .’, was adopted by the Australian Government and became a high-profile national campaign , supported subsequently by each state and territory . Campaign evaluation found that over 40 % of respondents felt that the ‘ Life . Be in it .’ campaign had made them think about being active , and that 20 % reported actually taking action to move more .
These figures take on contemporary relevance because in November 2018 Australia signed up to the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (
GAPPA ). Our national commitment to this WHO initiative is for 15 % more Australians to be more active by 2030 - a seemingly easily achievable target given the above data . However , although most state governments have , since 2018 , introduced voucher programs encouraging physical activity , the Federal government has done nothing to activate the commitment .
In comparison , the Federal Treasurer , when announcing the 2021 Budget in Parliament on Tuesday 11 May , stated that the nation ’ s mental health ‘ is a clear and national priority ’. He then went on to announce significant spending for mental health services ; expenditure I fully support , having experienced suicide within my immediate family group . However , as with much public health spending , the dollars committed address the physical and mental health problems after they have become a problem .
So , here in Australia , today , we have government representatives and health spokespersons emphasising the need for exercise during COVID lockdowns ; increased mental health issues in the community and acknowledgement that mental health is a national priority ; record funding going to health services ; a national commitment to get more Australians more active ; and proof that public health campaigns work . Yet no public health policy maker , Federal politician or the government collectively , has joined the dots .
Overseas research demonstrates that a dollar spent in preventative health generates a four to seven dollar investment return within a generation . This is through reduced rates of obesity , diabetes , cardiovascular problems , mental health issues and an increase in overall community wellness , to name but a few positive outcomes .
To reverse this counterintuitive situation , several actions need to occur . Firstly , move the responsibility for GAPPA activation from the Department of Sport and Recreation to where it rightfully belongs , Health . Secondly , from a Health policy perspective , classify exercise as an essential community activity and rethink all related policy and funding decisions . Thirdly , resurrect the spirit of ‘ Norm ’ and implement a contemporary ‘ Life . Be in it .’ campaign . Fourthly , enable health insurers to fund bona fide exercise and wellbeing activity for their members . Fifthly , engage with the health and wellbeing sector , industry and community associations and local government to fund and support preventative health programs over a term longer than one election cycle . Finally , leverage community interest in exercise that will evolve with the approach of the , likely , Australian Olympics in 2032 .
The end result will be positive and embedded behavioural change , a healthier Australian community , and significant and ongoing savings to the taxpayer .
Barrie Elvish
The CEO of Fitness Australia , the peak national fitness industry association , Barrie has 20 years ’ experience leading successful organisational change , strategic development and business growth across a range of sectors . Passionate about keeping his mental wellbeing strong through exercise , Barrie can often be heard talking about his experiences training for triathlons and trekking the Kokoda Trail and Machu Picchu .