healthy-thought

basketball player with ball

Physical activity is ranked second only to tobacco control in being the most important factor in health promotion and disease prevention in Australia.

Opinion pieces

VicHealth CEO Todd Harper has many opinion pieces published in major daily newspapers and online. In this section you will find a selection of recent articles.

2009

11.09.09 

Wisdom of foresight

In this opinion piece, first published on Croakey, the Crikey Health Blog , VicHealth CEO Todd Harper says that if we could time shift back a few decades, most of us would be shocked at how 'normal' some risky behaviours were. But it took a visionary approach in the form of preventative health campaigns to drive the attitude and behaviour changes that have become our cultural norms.


 

19.05.09 

Break sport's code of silence

In this opinion piece, VicHealth CEO Todd Harper says that lifting the Code of Silence and changing attitudes is essential not only in sport, but also where we live, work, play and learn.

25.03.09 

The alcopops debate was a low point for health

In this opinion piece, which first appeared in the Sunday Age on 22 March 2009, VicHealth CEO Todd Harper explains why he believes the alcopops debate in the Senate was a low point for health.

20.03.09 

The rules of the game need changing

Todd Harper warns that many sporting organisations are sadly forsaking the wonderful community appeal that goes with sports, for the cash of the beer, wine and spirits industries…

09.01.09 

Light way to deter violence

In this opinion piece which first appeared in the Herald Sun, 9 January, 2009, Chief Executive Todd Harper explains why he believes the tax on low-alcohol beer should to be scrapped.


 

2008

01.12.08 

Don't waste the splurge

For the first time in a very long time, many governments are looking to spend big, as a way of kick-starting their economies. As political leaders rush to spend, VicHealth CEO Todd Harper urges them not to forget to invest in the health of communities.

25.11.08 

Not violent, not silent

This opinion piece by VicHealth CEO Todd Harper first appeared in The Adelaide Advertiser on 25 November 2008.

20.03.08 

Last drinks for a sporting chance

This opinion piece by VicHealth CEO Todd Harper first appeared in The Herald Sun on 20 March 2008.

06.03.08 

Pubs should tap grog stats

This opinion piece by VicHealth CEO Todd Harper first appeared in The Geelong Advertiser on 6 March 2008.

2007

08.12.07 

Sad habit dying out

This opinion piece by VicHealth Chief Executive Todd Harper and Fiona Sharkie Executive Director of Quit Victoria first appeared in the Herald Sun on 8 December 2007.