[Greens-Media] Bob Brown - Junk food advertising self-regulation doesn't work

[Kelly, Russell (Sen B. Brown)]

		19 November 2008
		
				Junk food advertising self-regulation
doesn't work
				Self-regulation by advertisers of junk
food does not work and will not solve Australia's childhood obesity
epidemic, according to Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown.
				Speaking during a Senate inquiry into a
proposed ban on junk food advertising on children's television and in
schools, Senator Brown said that the industry proposals for
self-regulation were aimed at preventing a legislated ban on junk food
ads aimed at children.
				"Advertising self-regulation on health
issues hasn't worked with the tobacco industry, or with alcohol, and it
is not working with junk food."
				"Studies show that between 1985 and 1997
the combined rate of overweight and obesity in Australia doubled and
obesity among young Australians (7-15 years) trebled. Health experts
predict obesity will actually lead to a decrease in lifespans for the
next generations of Australians."
				"Plans by the food giant Nestle to stop
advertising some 'non-nutritious' products as a way of improving its
image worldwide is more a case of marketing-driven PR than an attempt to
improve the health of children."
				"Children's health is too important to
be left to marketeers," Senator Brown said.
				NB: The subject of the inquiry is the
Greens' bill  Protecting Children From Junk Food Advertising
(Broadcasting Amendment) Bill 2008, currently before the Senate.

				For further information, contact Russell
Kelly on 0438 376 082