Public Health Association supports soft drink tax

The Greens’ policy of a 20% price increase for sugary drinks would be a great step forward in tackling Australia’s obesity problem, especially for children, according to Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) President Professor Heather Yeatman.

“PHAA has long supported taxing of unhealthy commodities as part of multipronged and comprehensive approaches to improving the public’s health. The UK announced their tax in March 2016 and PHAA have been advocating for a similar commitment from Australian political parties,” said Professor Yeatman.

The Greens predicts that a price increase of 20% on sugar-sweetened drinks would result in a 12% drop in consumption, with the tax paid by producers or importers, not retailers.

“Bipartisan support is needed for this tax to make an impact on the obesity problem in Australia. Other major parties have a chance to use the Greens’ policy as a springboard and implement a sugar tax as part of their comprehensive nutrition prevention policies,” said Professor Yeatman.

“Not only will a sugar tax tackle obesity, the income generated from the levy could be invested in public health initiatives, including preventive programs and initiatives to ensure nutritionally desirable foods are affordable and available for disadvantaged groups,” said PHAA CEO and President of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Michael Moore.