Government to set up legislation to increase junk food taxes in a bid to reduce preventable diseases
Government to set up legislation to increase junk food taxes in a bid to reduce preventable diseasesAustralia is about to embark on a landmark wide-ranging initiative to safeguard the health of its citizens which we, in India, would do well to emulate.
Legislation for the setting up of a National Preventative Health Agency, which will form a key part of the Government's plan to reduce preventable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer, will be introduced in Parliament within the next fortnight.
According to Australian Health Minister Nicola Roxon, the independent, but publicly funded, agency "will be responsible for major preventative health advertising push, policy advice, health surveillance, consultation and research.
To be staffed by government-appointed population health experts, the watchdog body will come into effect next January.
Roxon said the government's strategy would be to take a leadership role, "without necessarily always having to regulate and tax."
She said the government's approach would be to "engage the whole community" and "push, cajole and lead families, schools, workplaces, industries, clubs and community organisations to encourage healthier living."
Her comments come after the release last week of a 300-page blueprint for preventative health drawn up by a high-profile Preventative Health Task Force.
The recommendations include a raft of policy prescriptions, including the possibility of higher taxes for unhealthy foods, higher cigarette and alcohol taxes, phasing out television junk food advertising aimed at children, a ban on all tobacco advertising and phasing out alcohol advertising during sports events.
According to the report, 32 per cent of Australia's total burden of disease was linked to smoking, drinking, obesity and other preventable risks.
A recommendation that the average price of a pack of 30 cigarettes be increased to $20 (approximately Rs 800) within three years would be considered as part of the government's review of the taxation system.
u00a0
An overhaul of the alcohol excise regime will also be considered.
Experts believe that a "whole-of-community" approach is needed to tackle the problem of obesity and excessive alcohol and cigarette consumption.
