Greens call for junk food ad ban. 
  
"Prime Minister Howard's new ad-free digital ABC TV option for children will leave most kids splattered by junk-food ads," Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.
 
"The new ad-free channel is a good idea, but it is no antidote to the fact that most kids will still be watching the commercials."
 
"This is reminiscent of Health Minister Tony Abbott's failed policy of leaving petrol sniffing in Central Australia to parental choice – it does not work.  A government ban on junk food TV ads being pushed at Australia's obesity–prone children is essential," Senator Brown said.
 
"Once again Kevin Rudd's 'me-tooism' has seen Labor drop Greens policy and adopt Coalition policy on junk food ads.  They are ignoring the best medical advice. Concern with the level of junk food consumption and the way that it is marketed to children, has been expressed by the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Dental Association, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.  Polls show 86% of Australians support more limits on advertising to children," Senator Brown said.
 
For more facts on children's obesity see:
Banning junk food advertising during children's television viewing hours