Coalition of health groups push for sugar tax

The Federal Government is under pressure to introduce a sugar tax as part of a plan developed by health and community groups.

Australia’s leading health organisations believe sugary drinks pose a greater risk to the nation’s health than smoking.

A sugar tax would follow in the footsteps of Britain, Ireland, Belgium, France, Fiji, Mexico and South Africa where sugar taxes have been, or are about to be, applied.

A coalition of 34 high-profile groups is proposing a tough new strategy to make obesity prevention a national priority.

The groups include Obesity Policy Coalition, Cancer Council, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and The Stroke Foundation.

Their plan includes banning advertising for unhealthy food on free-to-air television, between 5:30pm and 9:30pm, to avoid children seeing the adverts.

Rates of obesity continue to climb in Australia, with 63 per cent of adults and 27 per cent of children obese or overweight.

Sugar: health groups are calling for a tax on sugary products. They’re warning the government needs to protect children. #obesity #7News pic.twitter.com/0XAs7ZLLXz

— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) September 18, 2017

The Australian Obesity Prevention Consensus plan, “Tipping The Scales”, also includes a 20 per cent increase in the price of sugary drinks, developing a national strategy to promote walking, cycling and using public transport and funding a sustained program aimed at educating children about healthy foods.