Push for Sweeping Aussie Junk Food Ban Gains Momentum Nationwide
The Australian Greens urge a federal junk food ad ban to protect children’s health
Australia, Junk Food, Obesity, Children, Advertising, South Australia
Adelaide: The Australian Greens are pushing for a federal ban on junk food ads. They’re worried about how these ads affect kids’ health.
This call comes after South Australia banned unhealthy food ads on public transport. It’s a big step, but the Greens think more needs to be done.
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young praised the state’s move but said it should go further. She believes banning ads on buses and trains is great, but we also need to tackle TV and online ads.
She pointed out that without federal action, kids will still see junk food ads everywhere. It’s a real concern, especially with rising obesity rates.
Hanson-Young also mentioned that if the government is serious about protecting kids online, they should follow South Australia’s lead and ban junk food ads before the next election.
The South Australian policy lists many foods that shouldn’t be promoted, like chips and processed meats. This ban starts on July 1 and is the first of its kind in Australia.
Health Minister Chris Picton believes this policy will help create a healthier future for South Australians. He compared it to the federal ban on tobacco ads, which has been in place since the 1970s.
Picton emphasized that the junk food policy aims to reduce the harmful impact of unhealthy food marketing on kids. Obesity is now the top public health issue in Australia, surpassing tobacco.
Without action, experts predict that kids born in 2023 could lose up to seven months of life expectancy due to obesity. Currently, about 63% of adults and 35% of children in South Australia are overweight or obese.
Picton is optimistic, saying that together, we can work towards a healthier future, and this policy is just one step in that direction.