The Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis held the first meeting of the newly established National Advisory Group on Body Image in Sydney on Tuesday, 3 March 2009.
The Advisory Group is chaired by former magazine editor Mia Freedman and members include model and media identity Sarah Murdoch, Girlfriend magazine editor Sarah Cornish, founder of the Butterfly Foundation, Claire Vickery and body image researcher Susan Paxton.
The Advisory Group was established by the Australian Government to help develop a new Voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image, and provide advice to the Government on a national response.”
“Body Image is a very complex issue and the Government believes the most affective approach is to work in partnership with the media, health sector, fashion industry and young people themselves to develop a national approach to tackle negative body image in a coordinated and targeted way.
“This is not an easy issue but we are committed to working with the industries to find practical, workable solutions” said Ms Ellis.
Last year the Government allocated $125,000 to establish the Voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image. The Advisory Group will assist to develop the Code by providing advice on the following issues:
- Clearer notification of altered or enhanced images, including digital alterations.
- Better representation of diverse body shapes and sizes.
- Appropriate industry age limits
You can find more information on the Advisory Group in the media release through the following link: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Ellis/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090304_121922.aspx
You can also download photos of the Advisory Group below:
National Advisory Group on Body Image