2019-08-21
The major parties today have refused to support practical efforts for the ACT Government to support people to have healthier foods options– that is, plant-based food options that are better for a person’s health, for the planet, and for animal welfare.
“At a time of climate emergency, the science is clear – we need to consider the impacts of our consumption across the board, including our food and diet options, if we’re to tackle the climate challenge. Providing more plant-based options means reducing the harmful greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to a warming planet, in step with climate science,” Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur said today.
“The Greens are disappointed that today Labor has sided with the Canberra Liberals rather than choosing to practically improve the number of healthy options available for young kids, those recovering in hospital, and other Canberrans who are increasingly health and climate conscious.
“Given that children are becoming more aware of climate issues and many teenagers are choosing to be vegetarian, parents want to know that their children can access a balanced vegetarian meal when at school. Families of patients at hospitals want to know that while their loved one is recovering, they’ll be provided with a healthy plant-based meal option if that’s what they choose, aiding their recovery.”
“It’s really unclear why Labor, in particular would refuse to back simple, practical measures for more healthy food options at schools, hospitals and other venues. Some schools and other sites are already making the switch to plant-based food options, so we know it won’t be hard to spread these activities around.
“Being a climate emergency, there’s still more that we can – and must – do to tackle climate change across the board.
“When it comes to climate action after the declaration of a climate emergency, the major parties have fallen at the first hurdle.”
The motion called for action across Government to improve access to plant-based foods, including:
- requiring all school canteens to provide plant-based food options for students (not just meat pies and sausage rolls!)
- ensuring that all school students studying “health and wellbeing” in primary school and “food technology” in high school study the environmental, ethical and human health implications of food choices in an age-appropriate way
- supporting more school food gardens, where students can grow their own fruits and vegies
- Making plant-based foods the ‘default’ meal option in hospitals
- Updating ‘health promotion programs’ to better support plant-based foods
- Considering planting fruit and nut trees on public land
- Ensuring all ACT Government events include plant-based food options in a sufficient quantity.
For a growing number of people, this includes making a change in our diets, with more Australians consuming more plant-based foods than ever before. The latest Roy Morgan research estimates that 2.5 million people (12.1% of us) in Australia are now eating all, or almost all, vegetarian food.
“It’s also important that the Government keeps up with cultural change. Nowadays, vegan and vegetarian options, even ‘fake meats’, aren’t out of place on restaurant menus,” Ms Le Couteur added.
The motion comes as a Bill to consider animals as sentient beings will be debated in the Assembly in coming months.
Statement ends
Lisa Wills M 0481 035 764 E lisa.wills@act.gov.au