Doctors step up calls for tax on fizzy drinks

The nation’s peak medical body has reignited calls for a sugar tax to combat spiralling obesity rates.

In its recent report, the AMA recommended the Albanese government implement a tax of 40 cents for every 100 grams of sugar.

The nation’s peak medical body has reignited calls for the federal government to introduce a sugar tax to combat spiralling obesity rates, warning that Australia risks becoming an international laggard if it fails to act.

Australian Medical Association deputy president Danielle McMullen said on Friday that a 16 cent levy on every standard can of soft drink could result in the government collecting more than $800m annually, as it attempts to combat obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Australian Medical Association deputy president Danielle McMullen.

“Australians drink enough sugary drinks to fill 960 Olympic swimming pools each year. We need something to break the addiction and help people choose water instead,” Dr McMullen said, adding that 85 countries had already implemented a sugar tax.

The average 375ml fizzy drink contains up to 50g of sugar, with Australians consuming more than 2.4bn litres of soft drinks each year.

In its recent report, Why Tax Sugary Drinks?, the medical body recommended the Albanese government implement a tax of 40 cents for every 100g of sugar added to fizzy drinks.

It reveals an additional 40 countries have adopted a sugar tax since the AMA’s first research report in June 2021.

“Over a 25-year period, we estimate this would result in 16,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, 4400 fewer cases of heart disease and 1100 fewer cases of stroke,” Dr McMullen said.