C3 Collaborating for Health believes that only by working together can we make it easier to be healthy.

Australia: gvt rejects recommendations

Preventative measures to regulate food and alcohol industries rejected

Posted in Government action on 17th May, 2010 | no responses

In Australia, in September 2009, a Federal Government-commissioned taskforce relayed the results of research into preventative health strategies, providing an insight into the possible future of regulation for the food and beverage industries. Some of the more significant recommendations included:

  • the banning of alcohol sponsorship of sporting and major cultural events
  • a call for further research into the possibility of higher taxes on unhealthy food and beverages
  • a phasing out of junk food advertising on TV prior to 9pm
  • a ban on alcohol advertising during live sport broadcasts
  • regulation for front-of-pack labelling
  • regulation to introduce calorie labelling on restaurant menus
  • a minimum price for alcohol
  • higher taxes on tobacco

Rob Moodie, chair of the Preventative Health Taskforce said on ABC Radio: ‘This is the best opportunity in more than a generation to significantly improve Australia’s health. Get this right and we really can be the healthiest country by 2020.’

However, the government has, largely, rejected recommendations proposed to regulate the alcohol and food industries. The government has not put into place actions recommended by the Taskforce for a ban on junk-food advertising before 9pm. As it stands, the government has also refused to ban outright alcohol advertising during live sport broadcasts. In regard to the alcohol ban proposals, the Health Minister Nicola Roxon said, ‘While the government is supportive of limiting the exposure of children to advertising that may unduly influence them, the government will not consider regulatory action at this time.’

However, there are many critics of the government’s decision not to implement the recommendations fully. Anti-obesity campaigners say the government has ignored public support for such measures and bowed to the interests of the food and alcohol industries. This position was put forward by Associate Professor Tim Gill of Sydney University, who is also executive officer of the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society. Professor Gill said:  ‘The government has not been prepared to take on the food and advertising industries.’

Source: theage.com.au, 13 May 2010; AFEN Food For Thought, 4 September 2009.

-