Andrew Leigh

With Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, I launched the ACT Healthier Work service today. Here's our joint press release.

Healthy workers make healthy businesses
7 May 2012

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health Katy Gallagher MLA, together with Federal Member for Fraser Andrew Leigh MP, today launched a new one-stop shop for workplaces wanting advice on developing and implementing health and wellbeing programs.

Commenting on the launch of the new WorkSafe ACT Healthier Work service, the Chief Minister said healthier workplaces made good business and health sense.

“Given the amount of time most adults spend working, it makes sense to focus on promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace,” the Chief Minister said.

“The ACT is not alone in witnessing a significant increase in the burden of chronic disease. Tobacco smoking, the misuse of alcohol, poor nutrition, physical inactivity and obesity are the main risk factors.

“It also makes good business sense for workplaces to invest in the health and wellbeing of their employees, with research indicating that unhealthy workers have up to nine times the annual sickness absence of healthy workers.

“Healthier employees are likely to be more productive, more engaged in their work, take less sick leave, and have higher energy and concentration levels.

“Healthier Work will assist all ACT workplaces to implement health and wellbeing programs through a range of supportive resources including a website, case studies, tools, a ‘how to guide’, training and employer support mechanisms, as well as advice for workers,” the Chief Minister concluded.

Healthier Work forms part of a joint Australian and Territory government initiative under the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health, Healthy Workers Initiative, which is committed to reducing the risk of chronic disease.

“The Australian Government supports this partnership because we know that making our workplaces healthier is an important part of the fight against chronic disease,” Mr Leigh said.

Information about Healthier Work can be found at www.healthierwork.act.gov.au