Australia's most prominent health organisations have proposed a tax on drinks with high sugar levels in tandem with the launch of a TV campaign that warns of the dangers of sugary beverages.
The campaign, Rethink Sugary Drink, launched on Thursday, will encourage Australians to give up the soft drink habit and switch to water and reduced-fat milk.
The TV ad, borrowed from a similar New York campaign, is part of a call to action by the Cancer Council, Diabetes Australia and the National Heart Foundation to stem obesity rates.
They have called for a government tax on sugary drinks and asked schools and non-government organisations to limit their sale and availability.
Cancer Council Australia public health committee chair Craig Sinclair said a regular 600ml soft drink contains about 16 packs of sugar.
"Soft drinks seem innocuous and consumed occasionally they're fine, but soft drink companies have made it so they're seen as part of an everyday diet," Sinclair.
"They're often cheaper than bottled water and are advertised relentlessly to teenagers."
Sugary drinks including energy, fruit and sports drinks can cause weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, the groups say.
"They're being consumed at levels that can lead to serious health issues for the population," said Sinclair.
In additions to taxes, the group also recommends restricting the sale and marketing of sugary drinks to children at schools and limiting their availability in workplaces and public places.
