Over the years there’s been a lot of talk about whether Australia should impose a tax on sugar and other unhealthy foods, much like the tax we have on tobacco.
It’s an idea that’s been floated by The Greens, backed by several health bodies and opposed by the beverages industry, sugar industry and politicians such as Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce.
The idea has been floated again in recent weeks, following a report that claimed a tax on sugar, salt and fat could save the health budget $3.4 billion.
It could also help us live for longer – and that alone is prompting plenty of commentary.
Among those weighing into the debate is TV personality Lisa Wilkinson’s husband Peter FitzSimons.
He’s penned an editorial for the Sydney Morning Herald, arguing that Australia needs a a sugar tax.
While there are some people who don’t agree with his views, he’s getting both praise and criticism over his view on the issue.
In the editorial, FitzSimons talks about how he cut his sugar consumption by 90% and lost a third of his body weight.
He argues that a sugar tax is a matter of public health, comparing it to the tobacco tax.
“If you accept the growing expert consensus around the world that the prime culprit behind this crisis is that we take in way too much sugar – and I certainly do accept that – then the duty of the government is to try to reduce intake,” he writes.
“If they can accomplish that, they will improve the health of the population, and ease the financial burden on the taxpayer in trying to undo the myriad medical conditions that come with obesity.”
FitzSimons points to countries such as Mexico, France, the UK and South Africa which have taxes on sugar, and questions why Australians who don’t consume so much sugar should have to substitute the health costs of those who do.
“If you guzzle fizzy soft drinks laden with sugar – think 10 teaspoons of it in every can – isn’t it fair that you contribute more to the diabetes wards than I do?” he writes.
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