Former GP and ED doctor, Independent MP for Mackellar Dr Sophie Scamps, has tabled a Private Members bill calling for a ban and time restrictions to be placed on junk food advertising.
The Healthy Kids Advertising Bill 2023 seeks to have junk food adverts off TV and radio between 6am and 9.30pm, as well as placing an outright ban on junk food marketing on social media and other online environments.
Substantial fines would also be imposed on broadcasters, internet service providers and food companies that fail to comply, under the proposed amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
Dr Scamps explained that she was compelled to act due to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity and chronic disease, as well as the number of patients in her electorate that had raised concerns about the predatory targeting of their children by junk food companies.
Alarming statistics show nearly a quarter of Australian children are above a healthy weight. Unhealthy, nutrient poor foods contribute over a third of daily energy in Australian children’s diets, with the proportion increasing to 41% for school-aged children between 14 and 18 years.
“Right now, a quarter of our children are already on the path to chronic disease because they are over the healthy weight range,” Dr Scamps said.
“We know our children are exposed to over 800 junk food ads on TV alone every year, and that there is a direct link between those ads and childhood obesity. The current restrictions are not strong enough and self-regulation is just not working.
“If we continue to stand by while children are deluged by junk food advertising on social media and TV then we are failing them.”
The Bill will be seconded by Independent PM and former paediatrician, Dr Monique Ryan, and has the support of the AMA, Dietitians Australia, Diabetes Australia, the Cancer Council, the Food for Health Alliance, the Public Health Association of Australia, the RACP and the RACGP.
Food for Health Alliance Executive Manager, Ms Jane Martin, supported the move.
“Australian children should be free to enjoy TV shows with their family, connect with friends on social media or search online for entertainment and education without being bombarded by unhealthy food or drink ads,” Ms Martin said.
“Our children cannot escape this wallpaper of unhealthy food marketing that influences what they prefer, choose, and eat. The processed food industry knows this marketing works, that’s why they spend millions of dollars every year targeting kids. This harmful marketing shapes their diet and tastes as they grow, increasing the risks of obesity and chronic diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes.”
Research conducted by the Australia Institute in late 2022 showed strong public support for regulating unhealthy food marketing, with two thirds backing a ban on junk food advertising.
“Our community supports action. Seven in 10 Australians agree that government should step in and protect children from unhealthy food marketing,” Ms Martin said.
“Strong regulation of unhealthy food marketing may also encourage food manufacturers to produce and promote healthier products over unhealthy foods.”
“Approximately 40 countries around the world, including the UK, Ireland, Norway, South Korea, Thailand, Chile, and Mexico have already, or are planning to regulate junk food advertising. I want to see Australia join this list,” Dr Scamps said.
“At a time when our health system is under strain, investing in preventative health measures to combat the rising cost of chronic disease is plain common sense. The National Obesity Strategy found obesity costs our health system $11.8 billion every year and this figure will only grow if nothing is done.”
Dr Scamps’ Bill was developed in consultation with public health and marketing experts from across the country and does not cover print or outdoor advertising, sport sponsorship, nor content shared by food and beverage companies on their own websites and social media channels.