2016 media releases

New report highlights urgent need for national obesity strategy

8 Dec 2016
As new figures reveal high rates of overweight and obesity right across the country, the Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) is calling for a national obesity strategy to address a serious and widespread weight problem.

Unilever Paddle Pop ad found in breach of responsible marketing to kids code

7 Dec 2016
Australia's independent advertising watchdog, the Advertising Standards Board (ASB) has found Unilever in breach of the Responsible Children's Marketing Initiative (RCMI) after a complaint by the Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) was upheld.

Grattan report shows the time is right for a sugary drinks tax in Australia

23 Nov 2016
The Obesity Policy Coalition has welcomed a major Grattan Institute report recommending the introduction of a tax on sugary drinks in Australia, which is urgently needed to help curb increasing rates of obesity and chronic disease.

OPC applauds Greens for committing to sugary drinks tax

22 Jun 2016
The Obesity Policy Coalition has welcomed The Greens' pledge to introduce a 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks as part of its broader plan to combat Australia's worsening obesity problem.

Heinz under spotlight over 'healthy' high-sugar toddler snacks

21 Jun 2016
Food companies who make misleading health claims on children's products have been put on notice today by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

OPC welcomes Labor's plan to tackle obesity, chronic disease

20 Jun 2016
The Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) has welcomed Labor's plan to prevent chronic disease but warns more needs to be done to reduce the impact of obesity.

Unhealthy snack bars don't reveal health rating: survey

16 May 2016
More than 63 per cent of snack bars on major supermarket shelves do not display the Government-led Health Star Rating System and some manufacturers only use the stars on high-rating products, a new survey from the Obesity Policy Coalition has revealed.

Sugary drinks tax could save 1,600+ lives: study

14 Apr 2016
A 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks in Australia could save more than 1,600 lives and raise $400 million per year for much-needed obesity prevention initiatives, new research co-authored by the Obesity Policy Coalition has revealed.

KJs on the menu: a healthy step for Victorians

7 Apr 2016
The Obesity Policy Coalition has welcomed the Victorian Government's announcement this morning that it will implement mandatory kilojoule labelling in chain fast food outlets and supermarkets across the state.

Australia making no progress to prevent obesity, alcohol harm: MJA report

4 Apr 2016
Australia's investment in life-saving health promotion programs now lags well behind many other comparable Western countries, public health experts say.

Australia should follow UK with 20% sugary drinks tax

17 Mar 2016
The Federal Government should implement a 20% tax on sugary drinks to improve the health of Australians and reduce the burden of chronic disease, according to Jane Martin, Executive Manager, Obesity Policy Coalition.