Exercise & Sports Science Australia urges political parties to focus on health

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), the peak organisation representing accredited exercise physiologists, exercise scientists and sports scientists, has urged all political parties to focus on the future health of its citizens.

ESSA Chief Executive Anita Hobson-Powell stated “whether we like it or not, Australia is facing a health crisis. We need to be better positioned to cope with emerging challenges.

“These range from an ageing population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, multiple comorbidities, health work force challenges to fiscal constraints.

“For too long we have relied on a ‘band aid’ mentality, which does not adequately address the challenges we are facing.

"We need comprehensive, systemic changes that will create an effective cross-sectoral approach to healthcare, including preventative health care.”

ESSA is focusing on four key areas that need urgent attention: optimising aged care services, increased contributions to the delivery of mental health care services, reducing avoidable hospitalisations and re-admissions, and creating better integration and coordination of Medicare services.

Key statistics include:

• The number of Australians aged over 65 years is projected to increase by 91%, with the number of people aged over 85 years doubling in the next twenty years. 
• Only 38% of 65-74 year olds and 25% of those aged 75 years and over are meeting the recommended physical activity levels. 
• Mental illness is the third largest source of disease burden after cancers and cardiovascular diseases, but the largest source of disability burden. 
• Chronic conditions account for 56% of all potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPH) in metropolitan areas. 

Hobson-Powell added “these statistics highlight our concern, we cannot continue with the status quo - we must act now. We need to see greater investment in addressing societal determinants of health and improving preventative health measures, encourage the delivery of more physical activity programs, and improve the working relationships between medical and allied health professionals.

“Accredited exercise physiologists are in a unique position to provide an extremely valuable service to all Australians - yet are not given the support required to facilitate change.

“We face continuing battles to prove our worth on the health landscape, despite robust evidence demonstrating the clinical and cost effectiveness of AEP interventions for individuals at risk of, and with existing, chronic disease and injury.

“We call for bipartisan support of ESSA’s four Election Position papers to optimise the effectiveness and sustainability of Australia’s health system.

“I urge all sides of the political spectrum to focus on health, after all, the less action we take today, the more serious health consequences for future generations.” 

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