Pharmacy Daily | AMA “100 percent behind” sugar tax

THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has heaped praise on a parliamentary inquiry which has recommended a sugar tax on all soft drinks.

The association says the inquiry has grasped an opportunity to act on ballooning national obesity and diabetes rates, with the tax raising funds to direct towards tackling chronic diseases.

AMA President Professor Steve Robson said the association's financial modelling shows a sugar tax could generate government revenue of up to $4 billion over four years, which can be used to fund preventative health activities.

"We are 100 percent behind this sugar tax on sugar-sweetened beverages because we know it could help reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Australia, as well as reducing other chronic diseases," Professor Robson said.

"Prevention is better than cure and this inquiry has realised we need to be ahead of what is a national health crisis."

Research has shown a sugar tax can result in 16,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, 4,400 fewer cases of heart disease and 1,100 fewer cases of stroke over 25 years.

The average 375ml can of soft drink contains around 12 teaspoons of sugar, with Australians consuming 2.4 billion litres per year.

The AMA cited more than 100 countries and jurisdictions which have seen success from a sugar tax.

The committee also recommended longer appointment times for GPs seeing patients about diabetes and associated conditions. ML