[Greens-Media] Greens repeat call for national ban on junk food ads during kids TV

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Friday, 8 February 2008

Greens repeat call for national ban on junk food ads during kids TV

Greens Leader Bob Brown has welcomed the South Australian government's
move toward a state-wide ban on junk food advertising during children's
TV viewing hours and will again move for a national ban in the
Parliament.

"I support SA Health Minister John Hill's initiative. The alarming
increase in the incidence of childhood obesity calls for national
action," Senator Brown said.

"I will again move for a national ban on junk food advertising during
children's television viewing hours after Parliament resumes," Senator
Brown said.
 
The Greens moved an amendment to introduce national ban on junk food
advertising in 2006 that was voted down by Labor the Coalition and
Democrats Senator Andrew Murray. Family First Senator Steve Fielding
abstained. The amendment allowed advertisements for food deemed
beneficial to children's health.

"In 2004 more than $410 million was spent on food advertising. A survey
by the NSW Cancer Council in 2006 found 194 advertising breaches of the
Children's Television Standards by snack and fast food companies,"
Senator Brown said.

"During the election Labor said existing advertising regulations were
sufficent. The new health minister, Nicola Roxon needs to consult the
experts and take a leaf out of her South Australian colleague's book,"
Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603 




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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	

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