The Dawn of Australia's New 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults
Australia's Department of Health and Aged Care has unveiled the nation's first 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for adults aged 18 to 64 years and older adults 65 and above, marking a significant update after more than a decade. Released in mid-March 2026, these guidelines integrate physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep into a holistic framework to promote optimal health and wellbeing. Developed through a rigorous review of scientific evidence and stakeholder consultations, they aim to illustrate what a healthy 24 hours of movement looks like, providing practical advice tailored to everyday life.
At the University of Western Australia (UWA), researchers have welcomed this development but argue it falls short of addressing entrenched barriers to physical activity. Adjunct Research Fellow Matthew McLaughlin from UWA's School of Human Sciences, collaborating with experts from Deakin University and UNSW Sydney, has proposed four innovative policy ideas to truly elevate national activity levels. Their work underscores the vital role of Australian universities in shaping public health policy through evidence-based advocacy.
Breaking Down the Guidelines: Recommendations for Adult Australians
The guidelines recommend adults accumulate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for 30 minutes or more on most days, alongside muscle-strengthening activities at least twice weekly, functional exercises for mobility, balance, and coordination three or more days, and several hours of light activity daily. Sedentary time should be minimised and interrupted frequently, while sleep targets 7-9 hours of high-quality rest with consistent timings. For those tracking steps, aiming for 7,000 or more per day offers a tangible benchmark.
These recommendations build on global standards, such as Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, but adapt them to Australian contexts, including considerations for diverse populations like those with disabilities or chronic conditions. The accompanying scientific report details the evidence base, highlighting dose-response relationships where more activity yields greater benefits for cardiovascular health, mental wellbeing, and longevity.
Stagnant Progress: Australia's Physical Inactivity Crisis
Despite earlier guidelines since 1999, physical activity levels among Australian adults remain alarmingly low. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2022 National Health Survey, only 22.4% of adults aged 18-64 met the previous aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines, up slightly from 17% in 2017-18, but still leaving 78% insufficiently active. This inactivity contributes to substantial health burdens, with physical inactivity linked to $2.4 billion in annual healthcare costs and broader economic impacts estimated at $15.6 billion in 2019.
UWA researchers emphasise that individual-focused messaging has failed to move the needle, as environmental factors like urban design, transport policies, and economic pressures dominate behaviour. With cost-of-living challenges exacerbating barriers, population-level interventions are essential.
UWA's Expertise in Physical Activity Research
The University of Western Australia has long been at the forefront of physical activity studies, particularly through its School of Human Sciences and collaborations like the PLAYCE project. Matthew McLaughlin, also known as Tepi McLaughlin, brings extensive experience in public health advocacy and policy analysis, with publications on commercial determinants of activity and historical policy reviews. His co-authors, Professor Jo Salmon from Deakin's Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition and Peter McCue from UNSW, add complementary insights into intervention scalability and urban planning.
This interdisciplinary approach reflects how Australian universities drive translational research, bridging lab findings to policy recommendations that could transform community health.
Idea 1: Redirecting Road Funding to Walking and Cycling Infrastructure
Governments spend $44 billion annually on roads while collecting only $36 billion in revenue, subsidising driving by $8 billion—a figure 300 times the per-person investment in walking and cycling paths (less than the cost of a coffee). UWA proposes reallocating these funds, noting economic returns of A$6.30 per kilometre walked and $4.10 cycled. Public support is overwhelming, and such shifts could foster incidental activity, reducing reliance on structured exercise amid busy lifestyles.
For instance, enhancing bike lanes and footpaths near schools and shops would boost daily steps naturally, aligning with the guidelines' light activity emphasis.
Idea 2: Evolving Beyond 'Just Do It' Messaging
Mass media campaigns urging personal effort have proven ineffective globally in raising population activity. Instead, UWA advocates messaging that spotlights benefits—like economic savings and community gains—to garner support for systemic changes. This strategy, drawn from evidence reviews, positions universities as key influencers in public discourse.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data underscores the need for this pivot, as self-reported adherence lags despite awareness.
Idea 3: Reforming Traffic and Speed Limits for Safer Streets
Reducing default speeds to 30km/h in urban areas—global best practice—builds on Australia's 1990s drop from 60km/h to 50km/h, which saved lives. Coupled with congestion charges and less subsidised parking, this would proximity-enable walking to essentials, countering car dependency that hampers activity.
UWA's proposals highlight how such policies create environments supporting the guidelines' MVPA and functional activity components.
Idea 4: Deregulating Planning for Active Neighbourhoods
Current zoning, density limits, setbacks, and parking mandates enforce low-density sprawl distant from amenities. Removing this 'red tape' would revive walkable 'active villages' with integrated shops and cafes, as seen in walkable European models where 61 countries meet activity targets.
This aligns with UWA's child-focused PLAYCE research, extending principles to adults for lifelong activity.
Health and Economic Imperatives Driving Change
Physical inactivity fuels chronic diseases, costing billions; a 10% reduction could avert thousands of cases and deaths. UWA's ideas promise returns through healthier populations, lower healthcare spends, and productive economies. Universities like UWA exemplify how research informs fiscal prudence.
The scientific report supporting the guidelines reinforces these stakes, urging implementation strategies.
The Role of Australian Universities in Policy Innovation
UWA's contributions, alongside Deakin and UNSW, highlight higher education's pivot from basic research to actionable policy. Professor Hayley Christian's work on environments for activity complements McLaughlin's advocacy, positioning UWA as a leader.
As Australia lacks a standalone physical activity policy—unlike half the world—university-driven calls could catalyse national action.
Future Outlook: From Guidelines to Transformative Policies
Implementing UWA's proposals could propel Australia toward activity targets, mirroring Scandinavian successes. Ongoing university research will monitor impacts, refine strategies, and advocate for evidence-based reforms. For academics eyeing public health careers, opportunities abound in translational roles bridging research and policy.
Explore UWA's full article for deeper insights.
