15 September
In response to pressure from the Greens, the State Government has advised that it will be establishing a working group to consider banning junk food advertising on public transport infrastructure.
Greens MLC Robert Simms today brought forward a bill to ban junk food advertising within 500 metres of SA schools, on bus stops and railway stations and other public property in the Upper House last night. The bill was opposed by all parties, however the Government has indicated that it will be moving to establish a working group involving Health and Transport to consider the issue.
“Parents who want to encourage healthy choices are locked in a David and Goliath fight against junk food advertising. Although it is disappointing that the major parties did not support the bill, we welcome movement on this important issue through the establishment of a working group,” said Mr Simms.
“The Greens will continue to pressure the Government to crack down on junk food advertising to our kids. Banning junk food advertising on public transport infrastructure is a step in the right direction, however we will continue to push for legislative reform to protect children from this advertising near schools and on other public infrastructure.”
Earlier this year, a study by the Cancer Council SA revealed that of the 253 advertisements related to food or drink on public transport assets within 500 metres of schools, almost 80 per cent were promoting junk food. Queensland, the ACT and WA have all taken steps to restrict or ban junk food advertising on government property.
Last year, a survey from the Australia Institute has found two-thirds of respondents supported restrictions on junk food advertising.