Recognising Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week

I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I will move that:

The Senate:

1. recognises September 1-7 as National Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week; 

2. notes that in 2012 there were more than 913,000 people in Australia living with a clinical eating disorder, and more than 1,800 people die each year because of these deadly mental illnesses;

3. recognises the significant social and economic costs of eating disorders and the strength and contribution of those who care for people experiencing eating disorders; and

4. calls on the federal government to take a lead in prioritising eating disorders as an urgent mainstream health issue in Australia, and work with all state and territory governments to:

a.       support the development and education of a health workforce proportional to the need, who are able to identify and treat eating disorders;

b.      fund integrated treatment facilities and programs in hospitals and the community, with appropriate specialist care;

c.       ensure an appropriate proportion of the health budget is available for the development and establishment of community-based recovery support and prevention services; and

d.      provide funding and support for the necessary education and prevention programs for young people.