Students present research to Health Minister
Three graduating USC students finished their business degrees on a high note by making a special presentation to Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson on Thursday 20 November.
The Minister invited the students to discuss their research into the various factors that affect the eating habits of children.
Heidi Keast, Danielle Tracey and Courtney Vizer produced the research report with fellow student Bree Quilty under the guidance of USC Associate Professors of Marketing Michael Harker and Debra Harker.
The trio said it was a thrill to have been invited by the Minister to present their report at his Parliamentary office in Brisbane.
They advised the Minister that their research showed television advertising was not a significant influencer of the eating behaviours of children, whereas the snacking behaviour of primary carers was.
Other findings showed that overweight or obese children are more likely to belong to single-parent households, and that many people do not fully understand the nutritional information available on food packaging.
Associate Professor Michael Harker said the students had enjoyed the unique opportunity of addressing the Health Minister on a matter of State and national significance.
“The Minister was invited to a recent presentation of these findings at the University of the Sunshine Coast but he could not attend,” he said. "So he requested this private presentation.”
— Terry Walsh