The Department of Education and Training formed a physical activity advisory group in 2002 with representation from all areas of education and training, principal associations and teachers. At the end of 2003, a three year funding commitment was made to implement a Departmental physical activity strategy and, in 2004, a Project Manager was appointed, and the physical activity initiatives team was formed.
The Department’s second Physical Activity Strategy is for 2008-2011. This strategy is consistent with the State Government’s policy and priorities directed through the Key Directions of the PATF and with the Department’s own Plan for Public Schools 2008-2011.
The Department of Education and Training is a key agency on the Premier's Physical Activity Taskforce (PATF) and is working collaboratively with other agencies to achieve state goals.
In June 2001 the then Premier, Dr Geoff Gallop, launched the Physical Activity Taskforce to oversee the development and implementation of a whole of community Physical Activity Plan for Western Australia. A target was set to increase the proportion of the population who undertake sufficient physical activity for a health benefit by 5% (from 58% to 63%) over ten years.
The Premier's Physical Activity Taskforce (the Taskforce) has brought together the expertise of a number of Government Departments and relevant agencies in a combined effort to address the declining level of physical activity in Western Australia.
For more information on the taskforce visit the Physical Activity Taskforce website
http://www.beactive.wa.gov.au