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

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.

Access to food, fluids and nutrition care for people with disability during the COVID-19 pandemic - Submission 2020
Submission

Released May 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has a potential impact on access to food, fluids and nutrition care for people with disability. We have highlighted our concerns and recommendations for the health and wellbeing of people with disability during the pandemic.

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety: Impact of COVID-19 on residential and home aged care - Submission 2020
Submission

Released June 2020 - Access to accredited practising dietitians (APDs) in the residential aged care system was decreased due to visitor restrictions during the pandemic. Our submission discusses implications of this and our recommendations for future including access to telehealth services.

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety: Response to Counsel Assisting recommendations - Submission 2020
Submission

Released November 2020 - We consider it vital that the aged care system is changed to improve the availability of allied health services, including dietetic services and nutrition support. Dietitians Australia is supportive of many key recommendations given by the Counsel Assisting to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.