The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to Tasmania having the healthiest population in Australia by 2025. Tasmania’s high rates of chronic disease and health risk factors like smoking, obesity, poor nutrition, low physical activity levels and risky alcohol consumption mean this is an ambitious but very important target.
In December, I released the Healthy Tasmania Five Year Strategic Plan – Community Consultation Draft.
The Consultation Draft outlines that smoking and obesity will be priorities. We have already received strong community feedback to the proposal to raise the minimum legal smoking age to either 21 or 25.
As part of our community consultation program, the Health Council of Tasmania is holding community forums across the State.
The community forums will provide key stakeholders and community groups an opportunity to provide feedback as well as encourage discussion about the proposed new approach to preventative health in Tasmania.
I encourage all interested parties to register their interest in attending any of the forums by contacting ahealthytasmania@dhhs.tas.gov.au
Forum dates and venues
• Launceston – Monday 15 February, Tamar Valley Room at Albert Hall, 3pm – 5pm
• Burnie – Thursday 18 February, Braddon Hall in the Burnie Arts and Function Centre, 10am – 12pm
• Devonport – Thursday 18 February, Centenary Court, Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre, 2pm – 4pm
• Hobart – Friday 19 February, Elizabeth Street Conference Centre, 9am – 11am
The Consultation Draft is open for public consultation until Friday 19 February. It can be found online here
