[Greens-Media] Greens move for junk food ad ban next week

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Wednesday, 2 August 2006

Greens move for junk food ad ban next week

Greens Leader Bob Brown will move an amendment to the Broadcasting
Legislation Amendment Bill when Parliament resumes next week, banning
all food and beverage ads during children's television viewing hours,
except those deemed to be beneficial to children's health by the Health
Minister.

"Tony Abbott acknowledged that obesity can reduce life expectancy by up
to 15 years. Considering that one quarter of all children are overweight
or obese, junk food ads represent a health threat to children just as
much as cigarettes do. Failing to regulate junk food advertising because
the 'odd treat is not a bad thing' is irresponsible," Senator Brown
said.

"Mr Abbott is right when he says 'every cigarette is doing you damage'.
But if a ten-year-old is already obese, every doughnut is doing them
damage. Kids today are lucky that previous health ministers weren't
'reluctant regulators' when it came to tobacco advertising."

"Just last week the NSW Cancer Council found that more than 80 per cent
of all food ads promote junk food. The Advertising Standards Board may
be able to make sure ads aren't misleading, but they can't increase the
number of ads for healthy foods to 80 per cent.

"There is room for greater regulation of junk food ads. Parents want
greater regulation, the state health ministers want greater regulation.
It is only the federal government standing in the way and all Tony
Abbott has is lame excuses for his inaction," Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603
	(2) Page 8 (after line 20), at the end of the Bill, add: 
		Schedule 2-Children's Television Standards 
		Children's Television Standards 2005 
		1 At the end of CTS 10 
			Add: 
		; (e) advertise food or beverages unless the Minister
for Health, having authorised by determination in writing, with such
determination to be tabled in both Houses of Parliament together with a
statement of reasons, that such an advertisement is beneficial to the
health of children. 


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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au