Submission to the Department of Social Services.

Dietitians Australia welcomes the development of the first Early Years Strategy (the Strategy) and the opportunity to input into this important roadmap.

The Australian Government is developing the Strategy to shape its vision for the future of Australia’s children and their families.

Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are important members of the multidisciplinary team who support children to achieve the best start in life. Dietitians provide support across the early years in many ways. This includes the delivery of nutrition education to communities, early childhood services and health professionals; delivery of medical nutrition therapy to groups and individuals; and development and delivery of public health programs and policies.

Strengthening nutrition policies and improving access to APDs can help improve dietary behaviours during the early years and nutrition and health related outcomes, in the short and long term.

While there are many important, cross-cutting, and mutually beneficial priorities for the Strategy, our recommendations focus on the impact of nutrition during this critical period of development.

To read our recommendations, download our submission.