Media Releases
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 DAA’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 Association of 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. Media release
May 2019
Politicians Missing the Mark with Health Approach
Our country’s leader’s obsession with quick fix prescriptive medicines is missing the mark when it comes to our longterm health. Prevention is being swept under the carpet by our politicians, with disastrous impacts on the health of the Australian community. Media release
April 2019
Nutrition Should Feed the Federal Election
The Dietitians Association of Australia election statement outlines key areas that all political parties and the future government must address to nourish the nation. Media release Election Statement
April 2019
Budget Neglects to Nourish the Nation’s Future
The Dietitians Association of Australia welcomes the 2019 Federal Budget’s focus on mental health, eating disorder care and medical research, but is concerned it fails to plan for the future of the nation’s nutritional health. Media release
April 2019
Future of Australia’s Health Demands Immediate Action
Poor diet is a leading risk factor for many preventable chronic conditions, including heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer and arthritis. Today, almost half our adult population experience a chronic disease, costing Australia over $70 billion annually. Despite deteriorating health, alarming predictions and preventable costs, Australia hasn’t updated our National Nutrition Policy in over 26 years. Media release
February 2019
Medicare Funding Boost a Win for Eating Disorder Treatment
Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Federal Government regarding its commitment to improve access and affordability for those seeking eating disorder treatment in Australia. Media release
December 2018
New National Nutrition Policy is the Key for Future Health
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) calls for a New National Nutrition Policy, to unlock practical solutions to many of the 22 recommendations handed down by the Select Committee into the Obesity Epidemic in Australia. Media release
December 2018
Aged Care Residents Starving for Change
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) welcomes the Royal Commission into the Aged Care sector, however warns aged care residents will continue to go hungry in the process with potentially dire consequences. DAA urges the Government to recognise the serious nutrition issues of the sector and that solutions are available to address this right now. Media release
September 2018
New Research: Dietary Variety is Key to Good Health
After new research released by Cochrane found that taking omega 3 supplements provided no additional benefit in reducing risk or occurrence of heart disease, dietitians are encouraging Australians to review their diet rather than their medicine cabinet when it comes to looking after their health. Media release
July 2018
Dietitians Association of Australia Welcomes New CEO
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is pleased to announce Robert Hunt as their new Chief Executive Officer. After commencing as the interim CEO in May, Robert will continue in this position, based at the Association’s National Office in Canberra. Media release
July 2018
Gut-Friendly Foods Key in the Fight Against Winter Bugs
Looking after your gut bacteria, by choosing whole foods and prioritising probiotics, may be the key to warding off the flu this winter, according to dietitians. Media release Background
May 2018
Dietitians bowled over by café cake and muffin sizes
Australian coffee chains are selling café muffins the size of soft balls instead of tennis balls, according to new research presented at the Dietitians Association of Australia National Conference in Sydney this week. Media release
May 2018
Hidden hunger in Australia worse than first thought
New research has found one in three low- and middle-income Australian families struggle with food insecurity, or a lack of access to sufficient food – with diet quality taking a backseat to simply putting food on the table. Media release
May 2018
New research: Omega-6 fats may help prevent cognitive decline
Australian-first research has found eating a diet higher in omega-6 fats to be associated with better cognition in older Australians. Media release
May 2018
Expanding access to Accredited Practising Dietitians at the heart of the Dietitians Association of Australia’s pre-budget submission
In the lead-up to the 2018-19 Federal Budget, the Dietitians Association of Australia is calling on the Government to invest in a healthier population by expanding access to Accredited Practising Dietitians under Medicare. Media release
April 2018
New Survey: Dietitians Trump Internet and Celebrities for Nutrition Advice
Despite an overload of nutrition information from the internet, social media, celebrities and wellness gurus, a new survey shows most Australians strongly back the advice of a qualified nutrition professional. Media release
February 2018
Dietitians Dish Up Christmas Cheer
Christmas is all about celebrating with good food and loved ones. Dietitians share their ingredients on how they create a happy and healthy festive season. Media release Background information
December 2017
New study: Poor nutrition in Aboriginal children starts from first foods
New research suggests fruit and vegetables are luxuries for young Aboriginal children in remote locations, with a third (33%) missing out on these nutritious foods. Media release.
New research: Primary school canteens outstrip secondary schools, but both need backing to meet nutrition guidelines
As thousands of children head back to school for the second half of the school year, dietitians are calling for better support for school canteens to improve their ‘marks’ on the healthy food front. Media release
Struggling to get your daily dose of veggies? Tap into the power of soup this winter
Plant-based diets are one of the biggest health trends this year, but despite this most Australians struggle to meet their daily vegetable quota. The answer, according to dietitians, could be as simple as a humble bowl of soup. Media release.
High prices plague healthy foods at Australian school canteens
The first Australia-wide study of pricing in school canteens has found most schools are selling less healthy, nutrient-poor items at a fraction of the cost of nutritious choices. Media release
May 2017
New research: Aussies missing out on benefits of cereal fibre
Dietitians are urging Aussies to eat their way to good health by tapping into whole grains and high-fibre cereal foods, as new research shows most of us take in just half of what we need. Media release
May 2017
Australians spending the majority of food budget on junk food
New research shows Australian households spend the majority (58%) of their food budget on discretionary or ‘junk’ foods and drinks, including take-aways (14%) and sugar-sweetened beverages (4%). Media release
May 2017
Our sunburnt country needs a dose of the sunshine vitamin
New research shows vitamin D deficiency is rife in sunny Australia, prompting dietitians to encourage Aussies to couple safe sun exposure with a healthy ‘dose’ of nutrient-rich foods containing vitamin D. Media release
May 2017
University students missing out on the health front
New research finds that a massive 93 per cent of university students do not eat the necessary serves of fruit and vegetable that will support them to study effectively. Media release
May 2017
Dietitians: ‘Warmth’ of the 2017 health budget not felt by all
The peak body for dietitians has welcomed measures in last night’s budget to ‘unfreeze’ Medicare, but says 2019 is too long to wait for the changes to filter through to allied health practitioners, such as dietians. Media release
May 2017
World Iron Awareness Week: spotlighting the highs and lows of dietary iron
Haemochromatosis Australia and the Dietitians Association of Australia are urging Australians to have their iron levels checked before starting supplementation, as symptoms of iron overload are similar to those experienced when iron levels are too low. Media release
May 2017
New research – University vending machines fail the healthy food test
The first study of its kind in Australia has found unhealthy food and drinks vastly outweigh healthier options in university vending machines, with dietitians calling for an overhaul of on-campus vending machines. Media release
April 2017
Mental Health Crunch Time: Tackling physical health improves outlook
People living with mental illness could add years to their lives with the right support to get their physical health on track, according to the Dietitians Association of Australia, Exercise & Sports Science Australia and the Australian Psychological Society who have issued a joint position statement. Media release.
March 2017
Dietitians Association of Australia launches Reconciliation Action Plan
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is lauching its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which maps out the Association’s commitment to building the relationships, respect and opportunities essential to reconciliation. Media release
February 2017
Budget friendly foods help university results
As university students return for another year of study, Australia’s peak body for dietitians is urging them to consider their risk of food insecurity, a nutritional issue that can affect energy levels and academic results. Media release
February 2017
Millennials: Fancy some home cooking with your café culture?
Millennials were called out for their café-hopping habits in 2016 – and this year, on the back of new research, dietitians are urging young Aussies to translate their love of food into their own kitchen, striking a balance between the café culture and home cooking. Media release
February 2017
Kitchen creativity helps Aussies reach health goals
More than a third of Australians would like to eat more vegetables, according to research commissioned by the Dietitians Association of Australia, as part of their Australia’s Healthy Weight Week (AHWW) campaign. Media release
February 2017
Launch event: Australia’s Healthy Weight Week – tenth anniversary
Join Australia’s Healthy Weight Week (AHWW) ambassadors Dr Andrew Rochford and Sprout duo – celebrity cook Callum Hann and dietitian Themis Chryssidis – at the Dietitians Association of Australia’s national launch of the 10th AHWW campaign. Media release
February 2017
Dietitians: We’re surrounded by food porn, but let’s tap into our Dietary Guidelines
It’s not exactly news that, as a nation, we’re trying our luck with fad diets, but a new survey reveals just how few of us have turned to our country’s Australian Dietary Guidelines to help us eat better. Media release
February 2017
Research: Aussie dads in the kitchen boost kids’ health
New research has revealed Aussie dads take on a greater responsibility for cooking than men without children, highlighting the important contribution dads make to their family and the positive influence they have on their kids’ health. Media release
February 2017
Don’t worry, lowering the bar on home cooking is still healthy
Despite the benefits of home cooking, a new survey shows cooking at home is lower on the ‘to do’ list of many Aussies looking to improve their health in 2017, prompting dietitians to suggest… Media release
February 2017
Network Ten celebrities invite Aussies to take part in Healthy Weight Week
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) has today announced that some very famous friends of Network Ten’s children’s cooking show, Crocamole, are getting behind this year’s Australia’s Healthy Weight Week (AHWW) campaign including … Media release
February 2017
Plan for ‘Smart Eating’ this Australia Day
As we prepare to celebrate all things Australian on 26 January, the nation’s peak body for nutrition professionals is launching a new website, full of recipes, healthy eating tips and nutrition information to share with your mates. Media release
January 2017
New research: Cooking shows kick goals
As celebrity cooking shows gear up for more ratings wins in 2017, dietitians are encouraging Aussies to buy into the hype, with Australian-first research showing they could be a powerful weapon in motivating people to eat more vegetables. Media release
January 2017
Aussies wasting time and money on pricey fad diets
New research shows many Australians are turning to costly quick-fixes for weight loss, prompting dietitians to warn against wasting money on short-lived weight loss results. Media release
January 2017
Research – Young Aussies jump on the fad diet bandwagon
Young Australians seem immune to the warnings about dubious ‘A list’ diets, with new research showing they are more likely to jump on the fad diet bandwagon, compared with older Australians. Media release
January 2017
Taste of Tassie: Gourmet farmer and dietitians celebrate love of food
Gourmet farmer, Matthew Evans, is joining forces with Tasmanian dietitians to showcase high-quality, local produce to the nation’s nutrition professionals. Media release
December 2016
Give older Australians a gift of good nutrition this Christmas
Australia’s peak body for dietitians is urging Australians to enjoy a meal with older relatives, friends and neighbours this festive season, to promote social connectedness and help fend off malnutrition – a sad side-effect of loneliness among older Australians. Media release
December 2016
Health groups: Closing the gap needs urgent action to overcome food insecurity
The health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians is set to widen unless urgent action is taken to address availability and affordability of nutrtitious food among Indigenous communities, leading health organisations have warned. Media release
November 2016
Sugary foods and drinks: Decades of advice from dietitians
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is pleased to see the release of a Grattan Institute report reiterating calls for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. DAA looks forward to seeing public policy initiatives seriously considered by the Australian Government, as a result of this renewed push. Media release
November 2016
Eating like a finals hero: Hawks reveal what it takes to fuel a premiership team
Hawthorn stars are kicking goals on the field and in the kitchen, with the finals favourites revealing their top home-cooked meals to fuel a gruelling finals series. Media release
August 2016
Dietitians: Save money by spring cleaning your pantry
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is urging Australians to keep their pantry stocked with healthy staples to help minimize food waste, starting with a pantry clean-out to extend their food budget this spring. Media release
August 2016
New research: Diet habits of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
New research has found women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are on the wrong diet track, putting their health at risk. Media release
August 2016
New research: Natural chemicals in vegetables cut risk of insulin resistance
In the first study of its kind, research has uncovered another string to the ‘health bow’ of vegetables, showing carotenoids, the natural plant chemical in vegies, may halve the risk of insulin resistance in adults, a major risk factor for some of the country’s biggest killers. Media release
July 2016
Help at hand for people watching their weight
Researchers from the University of Sydney’s Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders have developed a portable and easy-to-use method to help people estimate portion size using only their hands. Media release
July 2016
National Nutrition Pledge Deserves Bipartisan Support
The nations peak nutrition body has welcomed the Australian Labor Party’s pledge of $10 million into its proposed National Nutrition Framework for preventing chronic disease, tackling obesity, and alcohol misuse. Media release
June 2016
Stay well this winter with winning meals
After a bumper cold and flu season last year, dietitians are urging Australians to boost their immune system this winter by tapping into nutritious comfort foods. Media release
June 2016
Archived media releases of interest:
Dietitians weigh into Federal Government’s new Healthy Food Partnership
Media Alert: Parents cautioned on new Bubba Yum Yum baby ‘brew’
New figures show Indigenous food shortages and hunger persist