While the ACT government presses on battling obesity with its Healthy Weight Initiative, MLAs have volunteered praise for the expansion of McDonald's in Erindale.
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A Heart Foundation report in May identified Tuggeranong as the fattest and laziest ACT district.
Liberal MLAs have praised the expansion of McDonald's at Erindale citing how the improved venue will boost employment and benefit the district.
Earlier this month Liberal MLA Nicole Lawder spoke at the Tuggeranong Community Council meeting about the youth employment gains generated by the redeveloped store, and advocated for the community to buy burgers on McHappy Day.
One audience member was heard asking "Are you going to serve behind the counter?" as Ms Lawder spoke about the launch of the "fabulous new McDonald's."
"Apart from that it really opens up that vista, the owners have put an additional 40 staff to cope with demand," she said.
"Many young people get their start at McDonald's and learn great skills – that is a good news story for the local area."
After describing McDonald's as a "seldom food" she said "if you are going to buy a McDonald's burger you should do it on McHappy Day."
Andrew Wall MLA, who began a five-year stint working at McDonald's aged 14 and worked in a management role for a year after graduating high school, seconded praise for the expanded fast-food venue.
He said the redevelopment of the McDonald's store signified a much-needed reinvestment in the Erindale group centre and increased youth employment options.
"McDonald's more broadly offers not only a first employment opportunity for young people but also teaches discipline, skills, responsibility and offers opportunity for further vocational training," he said.
"I took advantage of that. While I was there I was able to do a certificate three in retail operations and that taught me a broad range of skills …skills that have been able to be transferred into the other career paths I have had in construction, small business and now into politics."
On the topic of health implications, Mr Wall said the onus of responsibility was on individuals to make choices about their own health and wellbeing.
"In part of a healthy cities strategy there is a space for convenience foods such as McDonald's," he said. "It comes down to is the consumer taking responsibility for the product choices they make."
In a statement ACT Minister for Education and Training Joy Burch welcomed the redevelopment.
"As a Member for Brindabella, I welcome business investment in the Tuggeranong valley, particularly when that investment will create job opportunities for young people," it read.
"As a government we will continue to promote exercise and healthy eating options as part of a balanced lifestyle."
