Media Releases
Weight of evidence supports continuation of telehealth
The coronavirus pandemic has vastly changed Australian lifestyles, leading to unwanted ‘COVID kilos’ for some, due to different food choices, eating habits, stress and a lack of exercise during lockdown. But Dietitians Australia said it’s also presented an opportunity for many people to make life-changing and in some cases, life-saving choices, through better access to dietetic support via telehealth. Media release
July 2020
Medicare co-payments for telehealth services – a vital requirement for allied health
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) commends the government for allowing co-payments for telehealth allied health services. Coming into effect yesterday, this announcement ensures community based Accredited Practising Dietitians, along with other allied health providers, can continue to provide vital health services to Australians. Media release
April 2020
Dietitians are now available for consultations via video conference and phone appointments (Medicare and DVA rebates available)
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) commends the government’s decision to expand telehealth Medicare and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) services for allied health, including dietitians, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Media release
April 2020
Dietitians call for sensible shopping at the supermarket
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) calls for the Australian public to act sensibly and to exercise restraint when it comes to the bulk purchasing of foods at supermarkets. Australians are encouraged to consider the role of their diet in health, and sensibly plan ahead to be prepared during these uncertain times. Media release
March 2020
Critical need for a national residential aged care malnutrition audit
Malnutrition is a serious issue within aged care in Australia, silently abusing a substantial number of older Australians. Despite this, the true extent of this issue is unknown due to a lack in national data on the prevalence of malnutrition in aged care. The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) calls for a national audit into malnutrition in residential aged care. Media release
February 2020
National Nutrition Policy required to nourish not neglect Australians
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) highlights the need for nutrition to be prioritised for health, to support Australians to lead healthier lives. Commencing today, Smart Eating Week (10 – 16 February) continues DA’s call for a new National Nutrition Policy. Media release
February 2020
Dietitians equip Australians with the skills to make Smart Eating choices
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) solidify themselves as the go-to health professionals in nutrition, as Australia celebrates Smart Eating Week. Next week from 10 -16 February, dietitians across the country will be hosting a range of initiatives, encouraging and equipping their communities with the skills to make healthier food choices. Media release
February 2020
Adequate iron intake: a key nutrient to Closing the Gap
New research released today, highlights the importance of adequate iron in supporting early childhood development in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Media release
January 2020
New President welcomed to the Dietitians Australia Board
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is pleased to announce Tara Diversi, APD has been elected as the President and Chair of the DAA Board. Following a two-year term as a DAA Director, Tara returns to the Board, to continue governance, management and strategic direction of the organisation. Media release
November 2019
Malnutrition in aged care: one quarter of submissions just the tip of the iceberg
One in four submissions to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety outline accounts of appalling food and rates of malnutrition in aged care. The shocking evidence detailed in the Commission’s Interim report, shows the critical need to elevate nutrition within all aspects of aged care to adequately nourish older Australians. Media release
November 2019
A National Nutrition Policy: a recipe to create a healthy, hunger free nation
With a new survey reporting the growing crisis of hunger in Australia, the call for the Australian Government to develop a new National Nutrition Policy has never been louder. As the social crisis of hunger worsens, and the rate of diet-related chronic disease continues to climb, the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) emphasises the critical need for a collaborative, national approach to improve our nation’s health. Media release
October 2019
Leading charity’s recommendations worth taking to heart
New recommendations from the Heart Foundation, released today, highlights the need for the Australian Government to take a population-focused approach to food and nutrition. The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) calls for the Australian Government to fund a review of the Australian Dietary Guidelines, as part of a new National Nutrition Policy. Media release
August 2019
Nutrition for under-2’s: understanding intake for life-long health
As diet-related chronic conditions escalate, understanding the diets of Australian children aged 0-2 years is critical to build life-long, healthy habits. Professor Jane Scott, FDAA and Professor of Public Health Nutrition Research at Curtin University, is calling on the Australian Government to invest in a national infant diet and nutrition survey to help establish specific dietary guidelines for children aged 0-2 years. Media release
August 2019
Food for thought: building resilient students through healthy dietary habits
University students seeking new ways to overcome challenges may have to look no further than the breakfast table. New research from the University of Newcastle suggests a healthy diet is associated with lower risk of psychological distress and increased resilience (the ability to recover from stress). Media release
August 2019
Cooking for a healthy mind – using the beauty of ingredients to heal the soul
Highly regarded chef, Matt Golinski calls for every Australian to invest in a passion they love, in a bid to promote better mental health. Tomorrow, he joins more than 800 delegates, at the Dietitians Association of Australia 36th National Conference on the Gold Coast, to share how his journey has been shaped by good food and the art of cooking. Media release
August 2019
Providing cultural care: meeting the nutrition needs of Indigenous Elders
Dietitians highlight the importance of communication to provide nourishing and culturally appropriate foods in residential aged care. New research presented today at the DAA 36th National Conference uncovers how engaging both staff and Elders was key to optimising the food served to Indigenous Elders, living at a residential aged care home. Media release
August 2019
Connecting to culture through the language of food
As the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebrates Indigenous languages, Tracy Hardy, Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and proud Kamilaroi woman shares how the language of food plays an integral role in both connection to country and health. Media release
August 2019
Mistreatment results in malnutrition: the faceless abuser in aged care
Appearing before the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, DAA CEO Robert Hunt and Sharon Lawrence APD called for nutrition to be elevated within all aspects of aged care to help reduce the devastating impact of malnutrition, which is currently prevalent in approximately 58% of older Australians. Media release
July 2019
Dietitians the vital link to aged care quality
Commencing today, Commonwealth subsidised residential aged care homes are required to collect and report on three clinical quality indicators: unplanned weight loss, pressure injuries and use of physical restraint, under the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program. Media release
July 2019
NDIS Tribunal decision a step forward for nutrition
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) calls on the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Mr Stuart Robert, to assure NDIS participants of their access to nutrition support, following a recent Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) ruling. Media release
June 2019
Dietitians welcome commitment to a National Preventive Health Strategy
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) welcomes yesterday’s announcement by the Health Minister Greg Hunt to develop a National Preventive Health Strategy. Media release
June 2019
Dietitians Ready to Work with Federal Government to Build Healthier Communities
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) congratulates the Coalition on their election win and looks forward to working constructively with the Morrison Government throughout the next three years. Media release
May 2019
Missing Preventative Health: Only Two Out of Three Commit
Over two thirds of our population experience obesity, yet only two out of three of our major political parties have committed to preventative health. Whilst all major parties have acknowledged the role of food and nutrition in health, the right seem to have missed the mark. Media release
May 2019
Nourishing the Nation: Labor to Prioritise Preventative Health
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) welcomes the Federal Opposition’s announcement to address the impacts of nutrition in Australia, through a National Obesity Strategy. Media release
May 2019
Australia adopts international guidelines for swallowing safety
Supported by the Dietitians Association of Australia, Speech Pathology Australia and the Institute of Hospitality in Healthcare, the IDDSI framework outlines standardised names and descriptions of food and drink used in medical and community settings to reduce choking risk.