Why Current Physical Activity Guidelines Aren’t Enough
The federal government has released updated physical activity guidelines for adults and older Australians for the first time in over a decade. While these guidelines provide valuable information about healthy movement patterns, including the new emphasis on 24-hour movement and sleep quality, they alone won’t solve Australia’s physical inactivity crisis.
Since the first guidelines in 1999, national physical activity levels have remained stubbornly low. The problem isn’t a lack of information—it’s that guidelines frame physical activity as an individual responsibility without addressing the systemic barriers that prevent people from being active.
Research shows that population activity levels are primarily shaped by our physical and social environment—where we live, what’s nearby, costs, and available time. To truly improve Australians’ physical activity, we need policy changes that create supportive environments.
Four Policy Ideas That Would Actually Increase Physical Activity
1. Redirect Road Funds to Walking and Cycling Infrastructure
Currently, federal, state, and local governments spend $44 billion annually on roads while collecting only $36 billion in road-related revenue—a $8 billion subsidy for driving. Meanwhile, investment in walking and cycling infrastructure is minimal, less than the cost of a coffee per person.
Walking and cycling deliver strong population health benefits that translate into economic gains. For every kilometre walked, the national economy benefits by $6.30, while every kilometre cycled benefits the economy by $4.10. Redirecting even a fraction of the driving subsidy to active transport infrastructure would make economic and health sense.
2. Move Beyond ‘Just Do It’ Messaging
Mass media campaigns telling people to move more have largely failed to change population levels of physical activity. Global evidence is clear: individual motivation alone isn’t working at scale.
Instead, mass media messaging should highlight the many benefits of physical activity, which in turn may build public acceptance for better physical activity policies. The focus should shift from individual responsibility to collective benefits.
3. Change Car Traffic and Speed Limits
The more people have to drive, the worse our health outcomes are. To boost walking and cycling, streets need to be safe and destinations need to be close by.
Policies such as congestion charges and removing subsidised parking can help shift from car-centric cities to ones that support active transport. Making streets safer through lower speed limits is crucial—global best practice is 30km/h in built-up areas, compared to Australia’s current 50km/h default.
4. Remove Red Tape on Creating Active Villages
Why are local shops so far away for many Australians? Planning laws that enforce low-density housing without access to local amenities are a major barrier. Rethinking housing density limits, setback requirements, minimum parking requirements, and single-use zoning laws would allow cafes and shops back into new residential areas.
This means more people could walk, ride, or scoot to where they need to go, making active transport a practical choice rather than a luxury.
Lessons from Overseas Success Stories
Sixty-one countries have shifted the dial on physical activity and are on track to meet their national targets. Many of these are in Western Europe and Scandinavia, known for laws that create highly walkable environments.
Half of countries globally have a standalone national physical activity policy, but Australia doesn’t—despite calls to action by non-government organisations. Policy changes must move beyond individual motivation to reshape our environment through laws and funding.
If we want to improve Australians’ physical activity levels, we need more population approaches that address the root causes of inactivity rather than just telling people to do more.
Take Action Today
Learn more about how you can support active transport initiatives in your community. Contact your local council about walking and cycling infrastructure improvements. Share this information with friends and family to build awareness about the need for systemic change in how we approach physical activity.
Have questions about physical activity guidelines or policy changes? Write to us and join the conversation about creating healthier, more active communities across Australia.
