To combat Australia’s diabetes epidemic, a parliamentary inquiry suggests implementing a 20 percent tax on all sugar-sweetened drinks. The year-long investigation into the nation’s fastest-growing chronic disease resulted in 23 recommendations aimed at enhancing the government’s response to diabetes and obesity.
The committee, led by Labor MP Mike Freelander, aims to improve health outcomes for the 1.5 million Australians affected by diabetes. The report presented in federal parliament focuses on raising awareness of major risk factors such as obesity and enhancing access to diabetes technology and medications.
A key component of the strategy is taxing all sugar-sweetened beverages, excluding alcoholic drinks and artificially sweetened options. This tax is projected to generate nearly $1.4 billion in revenue over two years starting from July 1, 2025, according to the Parliamentary Budget Office.
Despite support from the Australian Medical Association, some coalition committee members oppose the tax due to concerns about its effectiveness and impact on vulnerable communities.
In addition to the sugar tax, the committee recommends conducting an economic analysis of diabetes costs, implementing food labeling reforms, regulating unhealthy food marketing to children, and expanding access to insulin pumps for Type 1 diabetes patients.
Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, is largely preventable with obesity being a significant risk factor. The report emphasizes the need for comprehensive measures to address the rising diabetes cases in Australia.
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain stresses the importance of implementing the recommendations collectively to make a meaningful impact on diabetes prevention and management.
The committee also suggests providing equitable access to diabetes healthcare through longer, subsidized appointments and telehealth services.
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