A 20% health levy on sugary drinks is an effective tool for reducing consumption and tackling high rates of overweight and obesity. But the sugary drinks industry is against the idea. In this video, Obesity Policy Coalition Executive Manager Jane Martin debunks the industry’s myths with credible evidence of why Australia needs a health levy on sugary drinks.
Policy briefs
A comprehensive policy program to reduce consumption of sugary drinks in Australia
The above paper should be read in conjunction with The case for a health levy on sugary drinks.
The case for a health levy on sugary drinks
This outlines the evidence for a health levy on sugary drinks.
Reports
The truth: Why a health levy on sugary drinks in Australia is good policy
Read more about what the industry says about a health levy on sugary drinks vs the evidence.
The impact of a levy on sugar-sweetened beverages on health and health care costs: a modelling study
Read the economic evidence for a health levy in Australia.
Submissions
Budget submission to the Australian Government on the economic reasons in support of a levy on sugar-sweetened beverages
This submission contains OPC’s recommendations to Treasury for the 2017–2018 Australian Government budget.
Australian Government's Tax Review and Re:think tax discussion paper
The OPC's submission relates to how fiscal measures may be used to improve diet, weight and health outcomes in Australia. In particular, it focuses on the importance of retaining the GST exemption for basic foods (such as fruit and vegetables) and highlights the potential benefits of other fiscal measures to encourage a healthy diet, such as a health levy on sugar sweetened beverages.