Submitted to the Tasmanian Government (February 2021).

Good nutrition is fundamental to health and wellbeing and the prevention of chronic diseases. Improvements in nutrition and a reduction in diet-related chronic conditions are associated with lowering the cost burden to the Tasmanian healthcare system.

The Tasmanian population has less access to Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) than other areas in Australia, as well as an older population and increasing rates of diet-related chronic conditions and risk factors (diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, obesity and overweight etc) comparative to other states. These factors emphasise the need for intervention by APDs, funded and supported by the Tasmanian government.

By increasing the size of the dietetic workforce in Tasmania, as well as Tasmanians' access to these services, the government will benefit from significant cost savings in healthcare, by minimising the existing cost burden resulting from malnutrition.

Residents will also experience improved health outcomes, with good nutrition being fundamental to their health and wellbeing, and the prevention of chronic disease.

The dietetics workforce isn't currently recognised within The Department of Health, Australian Government report in 2018 on 'Australia’s Future Health Workforce'. The dietetics profession needs more exposure, awareness and recognition for the public to better take advantage of and access the services APDs can provide, in order to improve the health of Tasmanians and Australians.

For more download our full submission.