2024-03-08
Dr Darren Briggs | Lead Candidate for Braddon
The Greens have today announced a plan to ban the placement of unhealthy food and drinks near checkouts in large retailers and ban television ads for unhealthy food and drinks during standard viewing hours for children.
Unlike the Liberals plan to ban ambulance ramping, these health measures will ensure real outcomes are achieved.
“Supermarkets and other retailers often place high sugar or high fat food, and sugary drinks, near checkouts to increase impulse sales. As a result, more Australian adolescents are eating confectionery.
“These big corporations have no social conscience, it’s up to government’s to reign them in but for too long that’s not been the case.
“It's time to put Tasmanian people first and ban the placement of unhealthy food and drinks near checkouts in large retailers. In 2022 England banned confectionery near checkouts, with the move largely supported by consumers and the food industry – there’s no reason we can’t do the same here.
“As a doctor I’ve seen the consequence excessive junk food marketing and availability has on Tasmanians, especially on our young people.
“Banning television ads for unhealthy food and drinks during standard viewing hours for children is a simple measure to ensure young people aren’t inundated with marketing messages that may lead to unhealthy decision making.
“Advertising or promotion of tobacco and alcohol is already restricted because of their negative health impacts. It is past time we take a similar approach to safeguarding children’s health and end the promotion of junk food.
“Unlike the Liberals plan to ban ambulance ramping, these health measures will ensure real outcomes are achieved.”