Australia's call comes after the Malinauskas government introduced a policy banning the advertisement of unhealthy food and drink on public transport. Photo / 123RF
Australia's call comes after the Malinauskas government introduced a policy banning the advertisement of unhealthy food and drink on public transport. Photo / 123RF
THREE KEY FACTS
On January 4, South Australia announced it would introduce a state policy banning the advertisement of unhealthy food on public transport from July 1, 2025.
A push is under way in Australia for a federal ban on advertisements for unhealthy food and drink.
The Australian Greens have called for the Albanese Government to issue a federal ban on junk food advertisements, citing concerns for the health of children.
The fresh call comes after the Malinauskas government in South Australia introduced a policy banning the advertisement of unhealthy food and drink on public transport.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young on Monday welcomed the state’s move but said “it needs to go further”.
“If a ban on junk food ads on buses, trains and trams can make a difference then a ban on TV and online ads is absolutely vital to really drive change.
“Without federal intervention, our kids will still be bombarded with junk food ads every time they turn on the TV or go online.”
Seemingly referring to the social media ban for children under 16, Hanson-Young said “if the Albanese Labor government is serious about protecting our kids online, then they will follow SA’s lead and commit to a junk food ad ban ahead of the next election.”
The ban includes muesli bars, potato chips, flavoured mineral waters and processed meats. Photo / 123RF
The wide range of food and drink listed in South Australia’s policy as “not recommended for promotion” includes muesli bars, potato chips, flavoured mineral waters and processed meats.
The policy will apply from July 1 on all Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams, and is the first ban of its kind in an Australian state. A similar policy has been in place for buses in the ACT from 2015.
Comparable in scope is the federal ban on advertising tobacco products, progressively enacted since the 1970s due to health concerns from smoking. The ban has since been expanded to include e-cigarette products.
South Australian Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said the junk food policy “tackles the harmful influence of unhealthy food marketing on kids’ preferences and eating habits”.
“Obesity rates are rising around Australia, and it is now the number-one public health issue – overtaking tobacco.”
Preventive Health South Australia predicts without action, children born in 2023 could see as much as a seven-month reduction in life expectancy because of rising obesity rates. About 63% of adults and 35% of children across the state are currently overweight or obese.
“Together, we can create a healthier future for South Australians, and this is one step as we work towards that,” Picton said.
