Physical education (PE) in Australian public primary schools is often neglected despite the recommendations from the government and professional education associations. State governments have standards in place to ensure all children are provided the opportunity to participate in physical education classes, but these are rarely met due to the absence of a specialist PE teacher in many public primary schools. Specialist PE teachers have the knowledge and skills to ensure all children are exposed to a quality PE program and have positive and worthwhile experiences. Children need the value and habit of lifelong physical activity to be instilled in them from a young age. In some cases this is achieved through family, but more often it relies on the school to ensure physical activity is embedded in their lives. Students deserve meaningful PE classes that introduce a variety of movement experiences (eg, sport, dance, fitness, aquatics and games) which set the foundation for lifelong physical activity. This is important from a health perspective and as a contributor to student learning.