The Australian Greens have called for the Albanese government to issue a federal ban on junk food advertisements, citing concerns for the health of children. The fresh call comes after the Malinauskas government in South Australia introduced a policy banning the advertisement of unhealthy food and drink on public transport. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young on Monday welcomed the state’s move but said “it needs to go further”.
“If a ban on junk food ads on buses, trains and trams can make a difference then a ban on TV and online ads is absolutely vital to really drive change,” Senator Hanson-Young said. “Without federal intervention, our kids will still be bombarded with junk food ads every time they turn on the TV or go online.” Seemingly referring to the social media ban for children under 16, Senator Hanson-Young said “if the Albanese Labor government is serious about protecting our kids online, then they will follow SA’s lead and commit to a junk food ad ban ahead of the next election.
” The wide range of food and drink listed in South Australia’s policy as “not recommended for promotion” include muesli bars, potato chips, flavoured mineral waters and processed meats. The policy will apply from July 1 on all Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams, and is the first ban of its kind in the country. Comparable in scope is the federal ban on advertising tobacco products, progressively enacted since the 1970s due to health concerns from smoking.
The ban.
