Could A ‘Sugar Tax’ On Soft Drink Save Lives?

There are never-ending arguments around Australians being taxed for soft drink.

While many believe it can save lives (by making expensive soft drink a deterrent), others believe it’s just a way for the Government to make more money.

In 2012, Australians guzzled 1.28 billion litres of carbonated drinks. A new study suggests a ‘sugar tax’ of 20 per cent could possibly save 1600 lives across 25 years as well as generate approximately $400 million dollars each year (not to mention the savings on obesity prevention and in health expenditure).

However, what the study suggests isn’t what the soft drink industry suggests. The industry, unsurprisingly, doesn’t believe the ‘sugar tax’ will save a single life because sugar is everywhere. We know this; it’s in our microwave meals, our meat, our lollies and all those other processed foods that save us a buck. As the CEO of the Australian Beverages Council, Geoff Parker said, “sugar, and sugar in soft drinks, is not a unique contributor to… obesity.”

Undeniably, people need to eat well. If you’ve done the whole weight loss deal, you’ll know that you need your three meals, your portion control, a whole lot of water and all the rest (fruit, veggies, et cetera.)

There are also programs that try to reduce obesity by getting people moving and exercising. For example, LiveLighter, which is a program encouraging adults to make healthier choices.

By following these programs and classic advice, you can reduce the risk of so many conditions, such as arthritis, anaemia and diabetes, to name only a few.

Doesn’t it seem a little bit of wishful thinking to assume that encouraging people to give up soft drink alone will cure obesity? Still, the tax will allow people to be more mindful of what they purchase and prevent bad habits in their kids.

Despite it sucking to have to pay tax, is it such a bad thing when you look at the big picture? Maybe it could work by making people more conscious of what they're buying and put money into our country's pocket to fund health promotion programs.

While upping the cost of soft drink seems minor, it may just be the first step in the right direction Australia has been looking for.

What are your thoughts?

Bianca Welsh-Jayne is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.

Photo: iStock.