6 years ago
Government should not dictate diets
David Littleproud MP
A soft drink tax will not solve Australia's obesity issue, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud, said today.
"Government should not dictate the diet of its citizens," Minister Littleproud said.
"Individuals choose what they eat and drink, not the Government. Personal responsibility is key here.
"Obesity is a genuine issue and the Coalition Government is taking action. The Coalition created the $100 million Sporting Schools program and the Healthy Food Partnership—which brings industry, public health groups and government together to agree to healthier formulation of foods Australians buy everyday.
"However it is the consumer who decides what to put in their mouth and people need to take personal responsibility.
"Slapping an extra 40 cents on the cost of a can of soft drink will not stop people drinking soft drink, nor from buying a doughnut instead. Increasing the family grocery bill will not magically make Australians skinny.
"The AMA has made many sensible suggestions on this topic, but a soft drink tax is not one of them."