Peak employer and union bodies have signed a Joint Statement of Commitment with the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon to promote healthier workplaces and healthier workers.

 

Ms Roxon said the commitment would provide national leadership to all workplaces, helping to further promote more health workforce programs across the country.


The Commitment represents a partnership between the Federal Government and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Industry Group, the Business Council of Australia and the Council of Small Business of Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions.


The Joint Statement of Commitment is a component of the Healthy Workers Initiative—a part of the Government’s $872 million National Partnership on Preventive Health (NPAPH).


Up to $295 million will be invested through the Healthy Workers Initiative to state and territory governments from 1 July 2011 to design, deliver and monitor programs to reduce rates of overweight and obesity, and increase both levels of physical activity and intake of fruit and vegetables. Programs to assist with smoking cessation and reducing harmful levels of alcohol consumption will also be supported.


The Healthy Community Initiative will also provide $72 million in funding to local governments, while the Healthy Children Initiative will fund up to $325.5 million for state and territory programs to improve nutrition and increase physical activity for children and young people through early childhood education and care environments and schools.


For more information about the Healthy Workers Joint Statement, visit http://www.healthyworkers.gov.au/