AusLeisure

Held in the prestigious setting of Parliament House in Canberra, key industry stakeholders at AUSactive's 2025 Leadership Forum have been challenged by Shadow Cabinet Secretary Andrew Wallace to get young adult Australians fit for military service.

Noting declining levels of physical fitness among those joining the armed forces, the Federal MP for Fisher, who has previously served as Chair of the Federal Defence Subcommittee while in government, stated that the "fitness industry has a part to play in keeping them (recruits) fit, keeping them motivated and keeping them sharp before they go into basic training ... (and) if you can be a part of that process, you got a customer for life because the importance of that discipline will stay with them for life."

Wallace, who suggested Australia's adoption of Fit For Office to new AUSactive Chair Emmett Williams having seen it in the USA, went on to suggest that the industry back military recruits and reserves through approaches such "free gym membership or some kind of discount (as) if you can engage with them, you've got a customer for life."

Held yesterday afternoon following an industry Chief Executive's Summit in the morning, the staging of the events at Parliament House demonstrated how far AUSactive has progressed in representing the fitness and exercise industry and its engagement with senior politicians.

In what Williams called "a validation of AUSactive's acheievements", MPs addressing the Forum included Andrew Wallace; Dr Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury; Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston; incoming MP and Paralympian Ali France; Melissa McIntosh - Shadow Minister for Women and Shadow Minister for Communications, Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Community Engagement and Dr Mike Freelander MP.

Other speakers included Associate Professor David Scott of the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN)at Deakin University and Dr Michael Wright, President of the Royal Australian Collage of General Practitioners along with AUSactive's Mike Beeney and Billie Cox.

In a presentation of industry advocacy, AUSactive Chair Williams highlighted the body's recent achievements, noting "we have to prove what we can deliver in improving the nation's health and that we are the trusted partner for governments."

Williams also echoed a recurring point from the afternoon about the importance of operators reaching out to federal and state members to deliver the industry's message.

New AUSactive Chief Executive
Also in attendance was Ken Griffin, announced during the afternoon as Barrie Elvish's successor as AUSactive's new Chief Executive.

Images: Shadow Cabinet Secretary Andrew Wallace addresses yesterday's AUSactive Leadership Forum in Canberra, as Emmett Williams and Barrie Elvish look on (top) and newly appointed AUSactive Chief Executive Ken Griffin addresses the Forum (below).

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