Eye surgeon James Muecke, the 2020 Australian of the Year, will lobby federal MPs to end tax breaks for ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, and push for a ban on sales near schools, hospitals and government buildings.

Increasingly angry at policies fostering an unhealthy food and beverage environment and driving up obesity, the respected ophthalmologist says products with no nutritional value are flooding the market and leading to avoidable health conditions and death.