Guy Barnett (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator McGauran, I agree entirely. We did have some focus groups in the afternoon. We put together some suggestions and recommendations in terms of government policy for kids at school and for children at home. Before I touch on that, I just want to thank Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck, who is the shadow parliamentary secretary for health and has responsibility for the area of obesity. He attended the forum, listened and then gave the closing address. It was very much appreciated by all the participants. Certainly, the information and recommendations will be made available to not only the federal Labor government but obviously the federal opposition—the coalition—in terms of policies not just for the next election but from now on. We cannot wait. They will be made available to other state governments and local governments and others who would like to see what these great minds came up with last Friday at the forum. Some of the key initiatives related to basically having a healthier lifestyle at school, at home and in the public environment. We live in an obesogenic environment and we need policy operators and legislators to try to help create a healthier environment in which to live. It is not just health; this is a matter of economics, a social issue and an environmental issue. We can do something about it. (Time expired)