Australia’s leading health organisations are calling for a 20 per cent health levy on sugary drink manufacturers, as new research shows the policy could raise around $1 billion each year.
The research from Australian Medical Association (AMA) also shows the policy could reduce Australians’ annual sugar intake by 2.6 kilograms per person, which is approximately 650 teaspoons.
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AMA President Professor Steve Robson said, “there could be 4,400 fewer cases of heart disease, 16,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, and 1,100 fewer strokes over 25 years if government takes this step.”
Members of the Rethink Sugary Drink alliance, which includes AMA, Cancer Council Australia and Heart Foundation, will launch a position statement in Canberra today, urging the government to introduce the levy.
The alliance said funds raised from the tax could be invested into health promotion campaigns, obesity prevention and other health initiatives.
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