Washington Government calls for tax on sweetened beverages

The state government wants Canberra to impose a tax on sugary drinks, arguing that it is desperately needed to fight Australia's obesity crisis. Health groups insist on the need for a tax on soft drinks to fight obesity, but the federal government rejected the proposal to save the family at the supermarket counter

. sugar gap or raise prices.

In a memoir to the federal parliamentary inquiry examining the causes and consequences of the obesity epidemic, Cook says federal resistance may undermine states' efforts to help prevent overweight. He calls for the development of a national obesity prevention strategy – similar to the National Tobacco Strategy – to "build a strong foundation" for improving the health of the nation.

Emphasizing that Canberra holds "two of the most powerful political levers" fighting obesity, Mr. Cook calls on the federal government to limit the exposure of children to the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages and to consider a tax on sugar for drinks.

Samples are in force in 28 countries. a tax would reduce the sugar content of products and reduce consumption.

"A tax on (sugar-sweetened beverages) is likely to provide the greatest health benefits to the most-at-risk groups, such as young people and low-income groups," he says in the statement. memory.

"As in the United Kingdom, revenues from this tax could be invested in other public health initiatives to reduce obesity, a measure that enjoys the support of the Australian public."

junk food via television, digital media and sports sponsorship would be a "very profitable intervention."

"It is obvious that the current self-regulation approach is not serving Australian children well. ", he said. The Australian Beverage Council, which represents the country's largest soft drink manufacturers, has pledged to reduce by 20% the use of sugar over the next seven years.

A spokesman for Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, "claiming that the government's agreement with the beverage sector was the" biggest reduction in sugar content in the history of Australia.

"Mr. Cook should indicate what modeling they did, Coca-Cola Australia told the obesity survey that the company was committed to reducing sugar by 10 percent in its products by 2020. [19659003] His submission indicated product reformulation, reduced and sugar-free alternatives, small portions and marketing allowed people to choose better options.