Submission to the Australian Government’s 2025-26 budget  

Australia has an opportunity to prevent children from developing chronic diseases in later life through the adoption of two proven childhood programs, developed over more than 15 years of research at Deakin University.

Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) has submitted a proposal for consideration in the Australian Government’s 2025-26 Budget. 

An investment of $38.4 million over five years to scale up the evidence-based INFANT and TransformUs programs across the nation would shape the health and education landscapes for generations to come.  

Both programs have received Australian Government research funding – primarily from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) – throughout the more than 15 years. Over that time IPAN researchers have worked in close partnership with the health and education sectors to ensure the initiatives are tailored and acceptable to the families, parents, health professionals, teachers and schools involved.  With research funding support, the initiatives have been tested and proven to have significant impact in the real world.  

It is now time to bring the benefits of these programs to all Australian children. 

The investment would mean: 

• Substantial savings to the healthcare system over the long term; 

• Significant health, wellbeing, social and education benefits; 

• Reduction in health inequalities; 

• Built-in training and support for health professionals and teachers; and 

• Helping the Government deliver on multiple health and education policy promises. 

The INFANT program works within existing services to support new parents with healthy habits early in life, targeting infant feeding, nutrition, active play and screen time from birth. It has been recognised internationally as a gold-standard program and has already reached more than 14,000 parents and carers to date. Funding of $18.4 million for the scale-up of INFANT would reach up to 1.5 million parents and carers over five years. Deakin health economists have estimated INFANT would save more than $6.9 million a year by reducing child GP and paediatrician visits – and much more in terms of chronic disease prevention in the long term.  

 

TransformUs is the only education initiative that integrates movement into the existing school curriculum for better student engagement, academic performance, health outcomes, classroom behaviour and student wellbeing. It also addresses the growing problem of school refusal by creating active and positive classrooms. It has been well-received by more than 800 Australian schools to date. Funding of $20 million over five years to scale up TransformUs would reach more than 1 million students from around 2400 primary, secondary and special schools over five years, and support around 7000 Australian teachers. The extrapolated healthcare cost savings over the average lifetime is estimated at more than $600 million due to the potential to reduce the burden of chronic disease associated with obesity and physical inactivity if the effect can be sustained over time.  

IPAN Director, Deakin Distinguished Professor Jo Salmon, said the programs represented excellent value for money. 

“Australia faces a significant challenge in ensuring the health and wellbeing of its population, particularly its children,” she said.  

“Children’s poor health and wellbeing and learning outcomes, especially in disadvantaged communities, highlight the urgent need for action. Early intervention is crucial for supporting children to have an optimal start to life. 

“This issue is exacerbated by a cost-of-living crisis that makes healthy choices less accessible. Simultaneously, our schools are grappling with rising student absenteeism and behaviour management issues. 

“Through investment in these two low-cost initiatives, we can create a healthier, more resilient future for all Australian children,” Professor Salmon said. 

Read the budget submission here.