An Australian Sugary-sweetened Beverage Levy: Why, What and How?

Abstract

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are associated with overweight/obesity and linked to chronic diseases. A levy or tax on SSBs has been introduced in many jurisdictions globally as a way to lower sugar consumption and/or reformulate lower sugar levels in order to address increasing rates of overweight and obesity. In this article we describe the various approaches to SSB taxation in these jurisdictions. We then explore the legal and policy landscape relevant to the introduction of an SSB levy in Australia. We argue that there is a mandate for the Australian government to introduce such a tax given the clear evidence that consumption, and therefore the adverse associated health outcomes, have a disproportionate impact upon those from lower socio-economic communities. We ultimately recommend that the tax take the form of an excise which focuses on changing industry practice, based on the success achieved by the United Kingdom tax.