- BREAKING: The Australian Greens have called for sugary drinks tax.
- Research shows that a 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks would decrease consumption by 12 per cent.
- With almost two-thirds of Australian adults overweight or obese, the measure is aimed at making people think about their food choices.
In exciting news, the Australian Greens have signed our petition and will publicly announce their campaign for a sugary drinks tax at Obesity Australia’s annual summit today.
Party research estimates a 20 per cent tax on drinks with more than 5g of sugar will drop consumption by 12 per cent. This would have a direct impact on obesity rates nationwide – and reduce type 2 diabetes diagnoses by 800 each year. An Australian sugar tax would save 1600 lives In 25 years.
“The sweetest part of this policy will be the longer-term benefits to Australians by reducing chronic disease and achieving better health outcomes,” said Greens leader, Senator Richard Di Natale.
Experts calculate that the measure could also rake in $500 million a year ($2bn over four years), every cent of which would be reinvested in public health, preventative health and health education.
But the real goal of the tax is to spark conversation and get people thinking about their food purchases.
With almost two-thirds of Australian adults overweight or obese and consuming 7kg of sugar a year from sweetened beverages, the Greens are focussed on nudging behaviour in the right direction. And it looks like it’s already working.
“The UK Behavioral Insights team that worked on the UK Sugar Tax campaign says the signalling effect of the sugar tax is just as important as the direct economic effect to consumers,” says Sarah. “This sugar tax debate has got the nation talking … and through this we all get educated. It’s a double boon.”
With the first political party in Australia taking up the mantle in the sugar tax debate, we’re excited to see where the conversation goes next. Parliament, perhaps?
We’re waiting to hear back from the Australian Greens about what else a sugar tax would mean for Australia. Watch this space!
Are you onboard with us? Make like the Greens and sign the I Quit Sugar petition at http://ift.tt/241QNXS.
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