Tax sugary drinks, say health groups

#1025 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 25 Jan 2015.

It might not come as much of a surprise to learn that Australia has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, with two out of every three adults, and one in four children, being classified as overweight or obese.

Four national health organisations have joined forces to urge the federal government to launch a national strategy to address unhealthy eating habits.

One idea gaining support is a tax on junk food and sugary drinks, which could save billions of dollars in medical costs, with revenue raised being used to strengthen the health budget.

The Consumers Health Forum chief executive Adam Stankevicius said there was widespread community support for action on unhealthy eating, and there were long-term benefits for Australian consumers, government, industry and public health.

People of faith who believe God has given us life, and our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, as the Bible teaches, will welcome sensible initiatives to encourage more healthy eating habits.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.