Sugar tax a bitter pill but may be the solution to obesity problem

As suggested by Jack the Insider (“Sugar tax: sweet for Treasury, fat lot of good for the rest of us”, 9/1), it is time Australia joined the more than 100 countries that have implemented a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

Excessive sugar consumption is a leading contributor to diabetes and obesity, placing a significant strain on our healthcare system. Recognising this risk, the World Health Organisation has urged nations to increase taxes on sugary drinks to address the health challenges associated with their consumption. This view has been echoed by the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Amid growing budgetary pressures from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, defence spending and healthcare costs, a sugar tax offers a multifaceted solution for Australia.

It would act as a public health measure, reduce costs in our health sector and generate much-needed government revenue – much like existing taxes on tobacco and alcohol.

Additionally, cutting sugar consumption would lead to lower dental costs, an often overlooked but substantial health expense.

John Kempler, Rose Bay, NSW

Could one politely suggest not following our big brothers overseas to force a tax on sugar content in foods and drinks?

There is an easier and better way so we do not end up with expensive employment of more public servants (just what Australia needs) or holding open the door for greedy treasurers to welcome more taxation.

The best solution would be by a regulated reduction of the percentage of sugars in both foods and drinks over a gradual period, with substantial fines for companies who do not comply.

Does such regulation need a complicated Act of parliament? I suspect not. Please, no more talk of more taxes.

Julie Tadman, Upper Caboolture, Qld

Tough love will work

It is paradoxical that so many schools advertise that they build resilience in their student cohort when, at the same time, normal anxiety is being pathologised and leading to the emotional paralysis of our young people (“Children’s anxiety ‘not a badge’ ”, 8/1).

We have moved from schools being institutions for literacy and numeracy and the building of cohesive social capital for future participative citizenship to schools becoming wellbeing centres.

There is too much coddling with students loudly exercising their rights, but with little insight or understanding that school is a preparation for later life.

Sometimes parents and teachers need to find that judicious balance between tough love and encouragement so that the child can get through normal anxiety or the occasional uncomfortable situation that comes as part of growing up.

Of course, each child is special, and some do need professional psychological interventions to help them get back on track, but the contagion effect is real.

The sooner we suggest that kids grow some grit to get over and through this trying time, as most of us did, the sooner they will feel better about themselves.

Ann Rennie, Surrey Hills, Vic

Brown’s true colours

​At a time when, due to the party’s increasingly extreme policies, most sensible people are frantically running away from Greens leader Adam Bandt, their former leader, Bob Brown, is running, helter-skelter, towards him (“Don’t label me more moderate, I back Adam,” 8/1).

Brown, once controversial because of his headlining confrontations with authorities, has now almost certainly wrecked his chance of becoming just another crusty old politician whom Australians had grudgingly learned to tolerate.

Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield, NSW

So Bob Brown has become a socialist now? That’s how he looks as he advocates taxing the rich and giving the poor the proceeds. If only life were so simple. If only Australians could be divided into baddies and goodies. He seems a long way from the “no dams” crusader of the 1970s who lit the anti-logging flame for people like me in my 20s.

Pamela Donovan, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Analytical excellence

The three daily editorials in your paper offer cool summaries of the exact state of play on frontline issues, which most other media ignore. The latest offering (9/1) prove the point.

Jim Chalmers’ spin on inflation is nailed to the mast; our renewables revolution boondoggle takes another bullet, this time in its ignoring all predictions of increasing electricity demands from AI; and the implications of Indonesia’s joining the burgeoning, predominantly anti-Western, China-dominated BRICS group are outlined. These daily editorials earn our appreciation for rare, concise, truthful, factual analysis.

Betty Cockman, Dongara, WA