The Cancer Council Australia has welcomed comments from Shadow Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, indicating that the federal Opposition may be considering a ban on licensed movie characters and toy giveaways promoting junk food to children.
Cancer Council CEO Professor Ian Olver said Ms Roxon had indicated that she recognised the impact junk food marketing has on Australia’s childhood obesity crisis and would welcome a commitment from all parliamentarians to junk food marketing reform.
“Cancer incidence in Australia is expected to increase by around 30 per cent every 10 years or so for the next few decades as our population ages, yet no one has factored in the significant impact obesity will have on cancer in Australia,” Professor Olver said.
“Next to smoking, the combined effects of obesity, poor nutrition and physical inactivity lead to more cancers in Australia than any other lifestyle-related cause; Australia will struggle to afford the future cost of cancer if current obesity trends continue.
“A 2006 study* commissioned by the Victorian Government and involving many of Australia’s leading independent authorities on obesity concluded overwhelmingly that food marketing reforms would provide the most benefit in reducing the costs associated with childhood and adolescent obesity in Australia.
“As well as the research by evidence-based obesity experts, parents and consumer groups consistently express their view that relentless junk food marketing makes it more difficult for them to ensure their children eat a healthy diet.
“While the Opposition is yet to provide any formal policy announcement on junk food marketing reforms, The Cancer Council Australia is encouraged to see Ms Roxon recognising that junk food marketing is a public health problem. Removing premiums would be a good first step towards changing the way junk food is marketed to children.
“When the election is called, The Cancer Council Australia will be formally asking all federal parliamentarians to consider broader junk food marketing reforms, including regulations to restrict junk food advertising targeting children.
“We need to take strong measures now, to help reduce what threatens to be an unmanageable cancer burden in Australia in the future.”
Media contacts:
Glen Turner, Communications Manager, The Cancer Council Australia
p. 0412 443 212
Paul Grogan, Advocacy Manager, The Cancer Council Australia
p. 0409 456 727
* Assessing Cost-effectiveness of obesity interventions in children and adolescents. Available at:
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/healthpromotion/downloads/ace_obesity.pdf