The role of Australian local governments in creating a healthy food environment: an analysis of policy documents from six Sydney local governments

Abstract

Objective: This paper examines policies from six local governments (LGs) relevant to promoting a healthy food supply and consumer food environment. Methods: We analysed the six LGs’ food and nutrition policies against a framework based on Australian literature and international policy frameworks. Policy content was collected by searching LG websites and analysed with reference to recommended policy actions in the framework. Results: All LGs took action on reducing food waste, providing food/meal services for disadvantaged groups, and providing information/education on food and nutrition. A sub‐set also supported urban/local food production and markets selling fresh, healthy food. Our search did not identify any indication of a comprehensive policy framework to guide action on food and nutrition, nor did we find policies restricting opening of unhealthy food outlets, encouraging the opening of healthy food outlets, or reducing unhealthy food marketing. Conclusions: Local governments in Australia are implementing policies to support improved nutrition. However, there are further opportunities for action, including discouraging unhealthy food outlets and restricting unhealthy food marketing. Implications for public health: The legal remit of LGs includes responsibilities relevant to food and nutrition. Further research is needed regarding how their powers could be better leveraged to improve diet‐related health.

Communications in the time of a pandemic: the readability of documents for public consumption

“…The public expects government communication and intervention in public health issues 1 . Efforts are often made for these interventions to be delivered to ‘hard‐to‐reach’ populations 2 and for health education resources to be assessed for suitability for the target market 3,4 .…”

Understanding local government responses to alcohol‐related harm

“…In addition, these approaches support a coordinated approach to alcohol across LGs. However, given the complex systemic factors influencing alcohol misuse, and LGs' limited legislated authority to be agents of public health change [9,10], state and national prevention measures are essential to ensure reductions in alcohol-related harm.…”

“…There is debate regarding the benefits of such localisation of alcohol policy; while it provides locally tailored solutions, it also may lead to inconsistent strategic responses [8]. In contrast to the UK, on their own, Australian LGs have restricted political or legislative authority to be agents of public health change [9,10]. Despite this, there are examples of successful locally led interventions aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm in community settings where authority is given by higher jurisdictions [11].…”

Translating evidence into policy action: which diet‐related practices are essential to achieve healthy and sustainable food system transformation?

“…HSD can be facilitated by policy‐makers at a national level via food strategies and dietary guidelines 1,8 . At the local government level, policy‐makers can modify the food environment to facilitate waste reduction, urban agriculture and localised retail systems 9 . Missing from the literature is a clear depiction of desired diet‐related practices to support targeted policy‐action.…”