THE health benefits from a proposed sugary drink tax are “blindingly obvious”, as local voices join the call for soft drinks to be slugged with a 20 per cent levy.
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The Australian Greens announced it would introduce a 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks; raising an expected $500 million to be reinvested into health initiatives.
The Heart Foundation has already pledged its support of the tax and New England region health co-ordinator, Penny Milson, said it would go a long way to combating a growing obesity problem.
“There is scientific evidence showing the excessive consumption of soft drinks, including sports and energy drinks in direct association with risk of weight gain,” Ms Milson said.
The local Heart Foundation spokeswoman said there was “no nutritional value” to sweetened drinks and said the region had to lift its game when it came to tackling obesity.
“Australia is world leading with tobacco control, but we’re a long way behind when it comes to obesity,” she said.
Ms Milson said major political parties should examine the move in light of research showing clear links to sugary drinks consumption and obesity.
“Consumers are price sensitive and hitting the hip pocket has worked in other areas,” she said.
Senior finance lecturer at the University of New England, Dr John Anderson, said it was a policy the major parties should get behind.
“One hundred per cent, the health benefits are so blindingly obvious,” Dr Anderson said.
“From an economic perspective, it would increase the budget bottom line and the health benefits would be instant.”
Dr Anderson said it’s something government could have implemented sooner.
“It’s such a damaging industry,” he said.
“I’m constantly horrified by the real estate given to supermarkets with entire aisles dedicated just to soft drinks.”
Tamworth dietician Dr Leanne Brown said a tax on sweetened beverages was one way to send a message about connected health issues.
“We’ve seen what taxing cigarettes has done for smoking,” Dr Brown said.
“Will it deter people from drinking soft drinks? It might when the price of healthier options come down.”
The dietician said the government should be thinking about population-based health initiatives.
“I think it has potential in terms of persuasion, but there are other things that aren’t healthy as well,” she said.