Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz MP has said a tax on sugar such as a levy on sugary drinks being introduced in the United Kingdom would be a lazy solution to the growing obesity problem in Australia.
A recent study by the Obesity Policy Coalition and the University of Queensland's School of Public Health has shown a sugar tax would raise $400 million to combat growing obesity rates but Mr Buchholz believes introducing such a tax is not the way to tackle the issue.
“Taxing sugar would be a lazy solution to a complex problem,” he said.
“The burden of obesity and chronic disease is something this government takes extremely seriously. genetics, medical conditions, levels of physical activity, alcohol consumption, portion sizes and sugar intake all influence obesity rates and an isolated tax is not the answer.”
The study also found a sugar tax would save 1600 lives over a 25 years, and would save the health system 29 millions dollars per annum, but Mr Buchholz believes the government already has programs in place to adequately tackle the obesity problem.
“I support and this government supports sensible, well considered policies – not knee jerk nanny state taxes and regulations,” he said.
“We are already tackling the burden of obesity and we have runs on the board, this government is working with industry to improve the nutritional value of food in the marketplace, encouraging kids to be active via our $100m investment in Sporting Schools program, providing tools and information to consumers to assist them make healthier choices.
“Programs include the Health Star Rating system, which helps guide consumers to make healthier choices when choosing packaged foods at the supermarket and encourages the food industry to reformulate their products to be healthier.
“The new Government Healthy Weight Guide website, which provides useful advice including tips and tools to encourage physical activity and healthy eating to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
“A new Healthy Food Partnership with the food industry and public health groups that aims to increase people’s health knowledge and support them to make healthier food and drink choices in order to achieve better health outcomes.”
Mr Buchholz also added that many items high in sugar such as sugary drinks are already subject to the goods and services tax while fresh fruit and vegetable currently are not.
Mexico has introduced a tax on sugary drinks which has led to reduced consumption rates in their country and the UK is set to introduce a tax in the next two years after a campaign led by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
