The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, based on 2006 census data, show that 59 per cent of Tasmanians aged 5-14 participate in organised sports outside school hours, compared with 71 per cent in the Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 64 per cent.

In all states and territories the rate was higher for boys than girls, with the difference being greatest in Victoria (69 per cent and 56 per cent) and least in Tasmania (60 per cent and 58 per cent).

The figures follow statistics released last month showing that almost 56 per cent of Tasmanians are overweight, compared with 54.9 per cent nationwide.

Tasmanian Sport and Recreation Minister Michelle O'Byrne said more needed to be done to improve levels of participation in sport and physical activity for Tasmanians of all ages.

"Sport and Recreation has initiated discussions with the Education Department and Health Department to address the issue of children being more involved in sport and being more physically active," she said.

"A principals group is being formed to address these issues, to look at what physical activity programs in schools are working and to see how we can create better links between schools and clubs."

Ms O'Byrne said Sport and Recreation was working with all of the state's sporting organisations to encourage children's participation in sport.

She also said that overall, levels of regular physical activity - defined as three times a week or more - had increased by 15 per cent since 2001, from 34 per cent to 49 per cent.

Opposition sport and recreation spokesman Peter Gutwein said he was "appalled" by the bureau's statistics, which he said showed Tasmania was a long way behind some other states regarding participation in sport.

He said the figures were proof that the Government's preventative health message was not resonating with the community.

"The Government needs to set some very firm policies with regards to physical recreation," he said.

"It also needs to engage with the community."

Mr Gutwein supported an integrated approach to the issue, involving the departments of Education and Health and Human Services and Sport and Recreation Tasmania.

He said more needed to be done to support volunteers who provided the opportunities for children to participate in sport.