As Australia's peak body for dietitians, we represent our members and our profession. We raise awareness about the importance of nutrition in public health. Our advocacy and policy work helps us support Australia's healthcare needs.

We advocate for the role of Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs). APDs treat a range of health conditions and give expert advice on nutrition and dietary issues. They help Australians stay healthy and well.

Nutritional health is a key public health issue. We work with all levels of government, government agencies and other peak bodies to influence health policy. Our expert advice can help improve the health of all Australians.

Our latest policy and advocacy work

We promote better community healthcare by advocating for key areas of nutritional health.

Right now, our advocacy priority areas are aged care, disability, healthy and sustainable diets, and mental health.

For policy and advocacy questions contact us at policy@dietitiansaustralia.org.au

Nutrition Advice within Scope of Practice for AusREPs - Joint position statement
Position statement (joint)

Released September 2017 - Fitness services are often expected to also offer nutrition advice. This has created a need for balance between an appropriate level of nutrition advice to the client, without giving information beyond their professional scope of practice.

Statement of Intent to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing - Joint position statement
Position statement (joint)

Released 2017 - A joint statement of intent committing to equality in health status and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians by the year 2030.

Food Security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Policy - Joint position statement
Position statement (joint)

Released November 2016 - Call for action to address food security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Addressing the Physical Health of People With Mental Illness - Joint position statement
Position statement (joint)

Released March 2017 - People with mental illness can also experience poor physical health, and poor physical health can in turn be connected with poor mental health. Our joint position statement endorses dietary and exercise interventions to support physical, social and mental health benefits for people living with a mental illness.

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability: Health care for people with cognitive disability - Submission 2020
Submission

Released March 2020 - It is the right of people with cognitive disability to have access to nutrition care that addresses their needs. Our submission highlights the barriers to nutrition care for people with cognitive disabilities and how to overcome them.