BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common and debilitating chronic joint conditions in Australia. A National Osteoarthritis Strategy (the Strategy) was developed to outline a national plan to achieve optimal health outcomes for people at risk of, or with, OA. OBJECTIVE: This article focuses on the theme of prevention of OA within the Strategy. DISCUSSION: The Strategy was developed by a leadership group, three working groups, an implementation planning committee, multisectoral stakeholders and public consultation. The Strategy's 'Prevention Working Group' identified two priorities for action: 1) implement programs that target the prevention of obesity and increase physical activity, 2) adhere to joint injury prevention programs. The lack of implementable policies that promote OA prevention exposes Australians and the public health system to an enormous burden. A set of evidence-based strategies was proposed to assist implementation throughout Australia.