Australian government pushes for federal sugar tax amid health concerns
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As we navigate through the cost-of-living crisis, many Australians find ways to stretch their dollar.
However, households may need to brace themselves for another financial hit.
A contentious proposal may leave a bitter note in sweet lovers' mouths.
After a parliamentary probe into the country's health crisis, the proposal could see a 20 per cent federal sugar tax levied on a range of sweetened beverages.
In a bid to tackle the country's obesity and diabetes epidemic, the tax targeted soft drinks, energy and sports drinks, fruit drinks, and flavoured mineral waters.
Committee chair and Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander led the probe and advocated for the implementation of this tax.
'It will only apply to beverages sweetened with sugar. I don't think it should be broadened out to other things. We need to use what's best practice around the world, and the effects will be monitored,' Dr Freelander said.
The idea of a sugar tax isn't new—over 100 countries, including the United Kingdom, Norway, and Mexico, have already implemented similar measures.
These countries saw varying degrees of success in reducing sugar consumption and improving public health outcomes.
In the UK, the implementation of the sugar tax in 2018 led to a notable decrease in obesity rates among young girls.
However, not everyone is on board with this proposal.
Opposition health spokesperson Senator Anne Ruston voiced her concerns about the proposed tax.
'There are better ways to encourage healthy eating and better preventive health outcomes without further hurting the hip pockets of Australian families in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,' she rebutted.
The debate over the sugar tax also sparked a broader conversation about the government's role in regulating public health.
The tax could act as a deterrent, reducing the consumption of unhealthy, sugar-laden drinks.
Proponents argue that this could, in turn, decrease the prevalence of obesity and diabetes and reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with these conditions.
Western Sydney Women CEO Amanda Rose argued that taxation was not the solution.
'If sugar is so bad, we should eliminate it, or foods can't have over a certain amount of sugar,' Rose said.
'If the government is genuine about people's health, you don't just whack a tax on something and say "Don't buy it" because if people are addicted, they'll continue to buy it.'
'If something is toxic to people, remove it from the shelves, or put regulations on the companies saying you can't have that sugar content in it in the first place,' she concluded.
In a previous article, The Australian Medical Association's Professor Steve Robson argued that the voluntary sugar reduction program is failing.
Instead, he suggested implementing a sugar tax to fund health promotion and alleviate some healthcare system pressures.
What do you think about the proposed sugar tax? How would the tax affect your shopping and eating habits? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.
However, households may need to brace themselves for another financial hit.
A contentious proposal may leave a bitter note in sweet lovers' mouths.
After a parliamentary probe into the country's health crisis, the proposal could see a 20 per cent federal sugar tax levied on a range of sweetened beverages.
In a bid to tackle the country's obesity and diabetes epidemic, the tax targeted soft drinks, energy and sports drinks, fruit drinks, and flavoured mineral waters.
Committee chair and Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander led the probe and advocated for the implementation of this tax.
Sugar-laden drinks could see a 20 per cent tax should the proposal be approved by the government. Image Credit: Pexels/Long Tang
'It will only apply to beverages sweetened with sugar. I don't think it should be broadened out to other things. We need to use what's best practice around the world, and the effects will be monitored,' Dr Freelander said.
The idea of a sugar tax isn't new—over 100 countries, including the United Kingdom, Norway, and Mexico, have already implemented similar measures.
These countries saw varying degrees of success in reducing sugar consumption and improving public health outcomes.
In the UK, the implementation of the sugar tax in 2018 led to a notable decrease in obesity rates among young girls.
However, not everyone is on board with this proposal.
Opposition health spokesperson Senator Anne Ruston voiced her concerns about the proposed tax.
'There are better ways to encourage healthy eating and better preventive health outcomes without further hurting the hip pockets of Australian families in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,' she rebutted.
The debate over the sugar tax also sparked a broader conversation about the government's role in regulating public health.
The tax could act as a deterrent, reducing the consumption of unhealthy, sugar-laden drinks.
Proponents argue that this could, in turn, decrease the prevalence of obesity and diabetes and reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with these conditions.
Western Sydney Women CEO Amanda Rose argued that taxation was not the solution.
'If sugar is so bad, we should eliminate it, or foods can't have over a certain amount of sugar,' Rose said.
'If the government is genuine about people's health, you don't just whack a tax on something and say "Don't buy it" because if people are addicted, they'll continue to buy it.'
'If something is toxic to people, remove it from the shelves, or put regulations on the companies saying you can't have that sugar content in it in the first place,' she concluded.
In a previous article, The Australian Medical Association's Professor Steve Robson argued that the voluntary sugar reduction program is failing.
Instead, he suggested implementing a sugar tax to fund health promotion and alleviate some healthcare system pressures.
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