Page 3315 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 22 September 2015
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We are focused very much on addressing chronic and complex conditions through a range of targeted programs, including particular programs focused on chronic disease. These self-management programs are designed to provide greater support to people living with chronic illness. People with different chronic conditions are able to attend these programs together. It is designed to empower them to improve their self-management of chronic disease and to improve the quality of their life.
At the same time, we are focusing on making sure that people are not isolated in their responses to these chronic diseases and that they are able to access good services like the independent living centre funded by the government in Weston. We are focusing on improving access through the equipment services scheme at Village Creek. These are the types of responses we will continue to facilitate. (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, can you please update the Assembly on what the ACT government is doing specifically to address the growing incidence of chronic diseases?
MR CORBELL: I thank Dr Bourke for his supplementary. Yes, a range of important programs is being financed. For example, the good habits for life program helps to address obesity by helping parents role-model healthy habits for their children around eating well, moving more and connecting with those around them. These types of behaviours are critical for improving people’s health and wellbeing.
We have got the fresh taste program being rolled out across ACT primary schools to increase the availability and knowledge of healthy food choices, supporting teachers to provide nutrition education, supporting school canteens to provide more nutritious menus and giving kids hands-on experience in cooking and gardening. We have also got ongoing support from the government for the AMA’s art in, butt out competition. I was really pleased to be at the awards for that competition in the past couple of weeks. That competition gives high school students the opportunity to design anti-smoking advertisements that go onto Canberra Milk cartons.
But we are also investing through the ACT Health promotion grants program. We have provided nearly half a million dollars, for example, to the ACT Nutrition Support Service to provide community organisations with convenient nutrition support over the phone or online, that is, free nutritional advice from accredited practising dieticians who will be able to tailor programs for individual Canberrans to improve their diet and tackle chronic conditions such as obesity and overweight.
We have got the women want to know campaign to make sure that women who are expecting get good advice from their general practitioners and others on the impact of alcohol during pregnancy and help them make healthy decisions there. (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, can you please outline to the Assembly how active transport initiatives, including the delivery of light rail, will contribute to the health and wellbeing of our community, particularly in regard to chronic diseases?
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