The food system and local government in Australia: The current situation and opportunities for the future

The 1992 Australian Food and Nutrition Policy identified that local government action could significantly impact on the food system and nutrition. A study was undertaken in 1995 to document the involvement of local governments in food and nutrition issues and to identify barriers and opportunities to their further action in this area. First, structural issues were examined through a review of 49 pieces of legislation. Notable differences were found between states regarding the level of autonomy, fiscal control, and designated public health role of local governments. Recent changes in the legislation have emphasized local government leadership in meeting the needs of local communities. Second, a national postal survey (N = 742; response rate = 61%) investigated current food and nutrition activities undertaken by local governments. Results indicated that while local governments in Australia are involved in food system and nutrition-related issues, this is not a strong feature of their activities. The challenge is for public health professionals to establish the importance of food system and nutrition issues on the local government agenda. Recommendations are made regarding how health professionals can identify and create opportunities for greater local government involvement in food system and nutrition activities.