Australia – The South Australian government has released a decision to ban advertising related to junk food on public transport, including buses, trams, and trains. The decision will take effect on July 1 this year, and follows similar policies in London, Amsterdam, and the Australian Capital Territory.
The decision, done by the Malinauskas Labor Government, notes the government’s commitment to reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertising on assets it manages and owns.
Data from Cancer Council SA shows that almost 80% of food and drink advertisements on South Australian buses promote unhealthy food and drinks.
For this initiative, Preventive Health SA, in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, are leading the implementation of this policy which aims to reduce exposure to unhealthy food and drink marketing which is associated with a reduction in the purchase of these products.
“Each year, big brands spend millions of dollars on catchy slogans and appealing ads to encourage South Australian children to consume more highly processed foods containing high fat, high salt and high sugar. Banning these ads in some of the key places they are seen regularly – especially by children – is a sensible step towards a healthier South Australia,” MP Chris Picton stated.
Meanwhile, Marina Bowshall, CEO at Preventive Health SA, commented, “Unhealthy diets continue to be a leading public health risk. Reducing exposure to unhealthy food and drink marketing, promotion, and sponsorship, especially children’s exposure, is a focus for Preventive Health SA and is a key priority within the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032.”
In response to this implementation, the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) and the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) have both slammed the ban, claiming the implementation will be ineffective and doesn’t necessarily address the complex and deeply embedded root causes of obesity.
Josh Faulks, CEO at AANA, said, “Experience from around the world indicates that similar advertising bans have not been effective in reducing obesity rates. Considering the anticipated impact on both the community and the industry, it is crucial that the South Australian government provide evidence demonstrating where such measures have successfully reduced obesity worldwide.”
Faulks also cited a Nielsen study which stated that around 65% of Australians felt that additional restrictions are unnecessary and 74% want health education and subsidies for healthy food over additional bans.
