Leading public health organisations call for health levy on sugary drinks

The Rethink Sugary Drink alliance (the alliance), which includes the ADA along with the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Cancer Council Australia, Food for Health Alliance, and Heart Foundation, is urging the government to introduce a 20 per cent health levy on sugary drink manufacturers.

The campaign was launched at Parliament House in Canberra this morning, with ADA Board member, Dr Angie Nilsson representing the Association alongside a number of other representatives from fellow alliance member organisations.

The call follows the revelation by new research that such a policy could reduce Australians’ annual sugar intake by 2.6 kilograms per person and raise billions of dollars for health initiatives, in addition to raising around $1 billion a year which the alliance says could be used to fund a range of health initiatives, including crucial obesity prevention.

Dr Angie Nilsson, Federal Board Director at the ADA, says that over time the policy would also improve health equity and dental health in Australia.

“We know that just one 600mL bottle of soft drink can pack a shocking 16 teaspoons of sugar and is highly acidic. Frequently gulping down sugary drinks can increase the risk of issues including tooth decay, sensitivity and erosion.” 

“Looking to countries that already have a health levy, like Mexico, it's clear that this policy can have a positive impact on population smiles as well as diets, with the greatest dental health benefits likely to be experienced by Australians from lower socio-economic backgrounds.”

AMA President Professor Steve Robson emphasised that health benefits might be considerable with research showing the policy could slash the amount of sugar Australians consume every year by nearly 2.6 kilograms per person, which is approximately 650 teaspoons of sugar.

“This policy really is a no brainer — it would raise vital funds for preventive health and protect Australians’ health by decreasing the risk of diseases linked to excess weight like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers,” Professor Robson said.

“Our modelling shows that a 20 per cent health levy on sugary drink manufacturers could raise around $4 billion over four years. These funds could be invested into crucial health promotion campaigns, reducing pressure on our stretched health system.”

“Research also shows there could be 4,400 fewer cases of heart disease, 16,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, and 1,100 fewer strokes over 25 years if government takes this step.”

Food for Health Alliance’s Executive Manager, Jane Martin, said that strong support exists at a community level for a health levy. 

“We know Australians want to see change, with our research showing 77 per cent would support a health levy on sugary drinks if the funds raised were reinvested into crucial obesity prevention efforts. Between this support and undeniable health and economic gains, what are we waiting for?” 

Heart Foundation’s National Manager of Public and Local Affairs, Peter Thomas, said government action to address harmful sugar consumption would benefit Australians’ heart health. 

“Healthier diets are key to reducing risk of heart disease, Australia’s number one killer. With sugary drinks currently the biggest source of sugar in our diets, a 20 per cent health levy on companies who manufacture these products is urgently needed to protect our nation’s heart health,” he concluded.
 

Read the alliance's position statement
 

Read the AMA research report