Have your say on junk food ad bans: Health Minister

Queenslanders have until the end of October to have their say on a proposed junk food ad ban during children’s TV viewing hours.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson has called for more community feedback on the already strong response to the Bligh Government’s junk food discussion paper.

“So far, more than 1,500 Queenslanders have completed our survey on regulating junk food and drink ads during kids’ TV programming,” he said.

“But we want to hear from even more Queenslanders.

“If our poor diets and lack of exercise continues, this generation of children may be the first to die younger than their parents.

“Unless we tackle the emerging childhood obesity epidemic, we’ll be failing our kids and guaranteeing a public health nightmare in the future.

“TV ads for extravagant junk food products like the 1,080 calorie Hungry Jack’s Quad Stack Burger, which contains an estimated 71 grams of fat, make it harder for parents to raise healthy kids.

“That’s why we’re urging Queenslanders to have their say by completing our junk food advertising survey to help us build a healthier future for all Queenslanders.”

Mr Robertson said the proposed ad ban had been welcomed by parents and stakeholders.

“The AMA Queensland recently joined forces with other leading State health bodies – Diabetes Australia Queensland, The Heart Foundation and the Cancer Council Queensland – in supporting the proposed ban on junk food advertising during children’s viewing hours,” Mr Robertson said.

“Obesity-related chronic diseases already cost Queensland $11.6 billion each year in economic and social effects, a figure that will grow over time unless we act now.”

The discussion paper Have your say: junk food advertising on children’s television is available at www.health.qld.gov.au

The survey is open until October 31.

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680