SIMON Corbell has accepted a report from the Heart Foundation ACT, which highlights widespread marketing of unhealthy food and drinks to children in Canberra.

The report was commissioned by ACT Health in support of the ACT Government’s Towards Zero Growth: Healthy Weight Action Plan.

“The Heart Foundation’s report provides an excellent starting point for further consultation to occur with the Canberra community, food retailers, and other industry stakeholders on this important issue,” Simon said.

“A focus on preventative health is crucial to Canberra’s future, and the ACT Government is keen to hear the community’s views on this issue, and their ideas on ways the government can work collaboratively with local business to reduce the impact of unhealthy food and drink marketing in the ACT, particularly where it is targeted at children.

“The government is committed to supporting a healthy, active and productive community, and has made it a priority to address the challenging levels of obesity, particularly amongst children.”

“A 2014 survey commissioned by the government found 88 per cent of people strongly supported the restriction of marketing unhealthy food and drinks, especially around children.

“This report shows there is work to be done across the board to reduce the impact that unhealthy food and beverage promotions have, and to achieve a real impact on the health of our children.

“Its findings provide the ACT Government with an important snapshot of the current food and beverage marketing environment operating in Canberra.

“I look forward to a consultation process later this year about the findings in this report, which will involve the community, food retailers and the business sector.”

A copy of the Heart Foundation’s report is available at health.act.gov.au