An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Today Bob gave notice that he will re-introduce the Protecting Children from Junk Food Advertising (Broadcasting Amendment) Bill 2008, to ban junk food advertising during children's TV viewing hours. The bill was first introduced by Democrats Senator Lyn Allison.

Despite recent alarming reports that obesity costs the Australian community an estimated $58 billion a year, the government communications regulator ACMA has decided not to impose further restrictions on advertising during children's television hours.

The move has understanbly outraged a number of health, consumer and parent groups who have been lobbying for change for years.

Only 1 per cent of food advertising promotes healthy food. The other 99 per cent promotes fast food, soft drinks, ice cream and other junk food.

Everyone knows that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and a national ban on junk food advertising during kids' TV viewing hours, an idea overwhelmingly supported by parents, is a sensible first step towards tackling childhood obesity.