Hon Pete Hodgson
Minister of Health

6 April 2006 Media Advisory

Childhood obesity a focus for Australian Health Ministers’ Conference

Australian Health Ministers, and New Zealand's Health Minister Pete Hodgson are gathering in Wellington today to attend the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference. New Zealand's presentation will focus on childhood obesity.

This is the first time the conference will be New Zealand-based, and Pete Hodgson’s first time as its host. Previously the conference has only been held in Australia.

“These forums provide us with an opportunity to discuss issues of common interest and for bilateral meetings to be held with state and federal ministers.

“New Zealand and Australia share an urgent concern around childhood obesity. Improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and reducing obesity are vital for all of us – but especially for our young. I look forward to some of the innovative community programmes that we have here in New Zealand being showcased to our neighbours. ” said Pete Hodgson.

ENDS

Ministers:
The Hon Pete Hodgson, New Zealand Minister of Health
The Hon Tony Abbot, Australian Minister for Health
Mr Ken Douglas, representing the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
The Hon John Hatzistergos, New South Wales Minister for Health
The Hon Bronwyn Pike, Victoria Minister for Health
The Hon Stephen Robertson, Queensland Minister for Health
The Hon Jim McGinty Western Australia Minister for Health
The Hon John Hill, South Australia Minister for Health
Dr Martyn Forrest, representing Tasmanian for the Minister for Health & Human Services
Mr Simon Corbell, Australian Capital Territory Minister for Health

© Scoop Media