Congratulations to the South Australian Government for being the first in Australia to restrict unhealthy food advertising on government transit assets.
While we commend this progress, it’s disappointing that Western Australia has not been the first to make this announcement. Research shows 77 per cent of food and drink ads on Perth school buses promote unhealthy options, exposing children to up to 70 such ads daily.
Despite WA’s international recognition for health promotion campaigns, fast food, sugary drinks, and confectionery continue to be advertised on state assets like buses and train stations, undermining our health initiatives.
In 2021, Premier Cook, then Health Minister, pledged to investigate a policy to restrict junk food advertising on state property. In 2022, the current Health Minister announced progress, yet the policy remains in limbo. Cancer Council WA urge the Cook Government to prioritise finalising and implementing it.
This policy has overwhelming public support, with 79 per cent of West Australians wanting unhealthy food ads removed from public transport. Evidence shows it could improve health outcomes, save $166 million in healthcare costs over 30 years, and generate $1.9 billion in economic value, as modelled by Deakin University.
Internationally, Transport for London, one of the largest advertising assets in the world, implemented a healthy advertising policy in 2019 and has seen great success.
A coalition of public health and medical NGOs, led by Cancer Council, has publicly called for such a policy and sought meetings with government departments and Members of Parliament since the release of the Sustainable Health Review Final Report in 2019.
Ultimately, the advertising spaces on WA Government property are not the responsibility of the Minister for Health. That’s handled by the Public Transport Authority, which follows the direction of the Minister for Transport and Deputy Premier, Rita Saffioti. Minister Saffioti has the power to authorise the introduction of standards through a simple policy for the types of foods and drinks that are appropriate for promotion on buses, bus stations, trains, and train stations.
The health of our young people should not be held to ransom by political maneuvering or industry pressures. We call on the Cook Government to support such a policy, as this is an action that says loud and clear – children should be afforded the maximum protection from exposure to predatory, ubiquitous advertising for highly processed, unhealthy food and drinks.
Let’s follow South Australia’s lead and make WA a state where children are protected from pervasive advertising for unhealthy foods.
