Champions for Change

Petition number:

EN7389 (Please quote in future correspondence)

Date submitted:

02/04/2025

Terms:

• Reason: We call upon the Australian House of Representatives to implement the following: 1. Remove Sugar from Tea & Coffee Service – Excess sugar consumption contributes to numerous health issues, incl inflammation, diabetes, and poor recovery outcomes. 2. Provide Alternative Milk Options – Dairy is a known inflammatory food. To support patient health, organic almond milk, rice milk, soy milk, and other dairy-free alternatives should be offered to accommodate a range of dietary needs. 3. Replace Processed & Non-Perishable Foods with Fresh, Nutrient-Dense Options – Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole foods that support healing and well-being. 4. Expand Beverage Options – Caffeine can spike the nervous system and may not be suitable for all patients. We request other herbal teas be offered as alternatives that support hydration and healing. By implementing these simple yet impactful changes, hospitals can better support patient recovery, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. Providing live, nutrient-dense foods will allow patients to heal faster, feel better, and leave the hospital in a stronger state of health. 

• Request: We therefore ask the House to take action by: 1. Introducing national health policies or legislation that set minimum hospital nutrition standards across all Australian states and territories; 2. Allocating federal healthcare funding with conditions that require hospitals to meet improved nutrition guidelines; 3. Working with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to update hospital food service guidelines and ensure they reflect the latest health research; 4. Encouraging state and territory health departments to adopt these standards as part of public hospital regulations. 

Your petition was considered by the Standing Committee on Petitions at a recent meeting, and was found to meet the petition requirements. It is now available for signature online. 

Signatures open: 20/08/2025 

Signatures close: 19/09/2025