A bill introduced to the Senate today by Greens Leader Bob Brown would ban junk food advertisements from Australian television during children's viewing hours.

It would also ban junk food ads in schools.

"Ending the multimillion dollar campaign by junk food companies aimed directly at children is one huge step in the urgent strategy required to tackle rampant obesity in Australia," Senator Brown said.

In a statement today, the Public Health Association of Australia's President Professor Mike Daube supported the bill.

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This Bill amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and the Schools Assistance (Learning Together - Achievement Through Choice and Opportunity) Act 2004 to encourage healthier eating habits among children and to prohibit the broadcasting of advertisements for junk food during certain times.

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.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown today gave notice that he will re-introduce the Democrats' Protecting Children from Junk Food Advertising (Broadcasting Amendment) Bill 2008 to ban junk food advertising during children's TV viewing hours.

"Access Economics estimates the cost of obesity to the community is $58 billion a year. 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," Senator Brown said.

Brown calls on Rudd government to end its obstruction to a national ban

The South Australian and Queensland governments have today announced moves in concord with the Australian Greens' policy to ban junk food advertising during children's TV viewing hours.

"The Greens' policy to ban junk food advertising during children's TV viewing hours is a sensible first step to tackling childhood obesity and I welcome the moves by of the South Australian and Queensland governments," Senator Brown said.

The Australian Greens today outlined their vision for Australia in the new century ahead of the opening of the Balance-of-Power Senate.

Australian Greens Leader, Senator Bob Brown, said a record 1.17 million people voted Greens at the last election, and the five Greens Senators were ready to work constructively with all parties to respond to the challenges of the new century.

"Pollution, poverty, discrimination and the destruction of Australia's forests and precious environments are the legacy of the last century and decades of greed and inaction."

The Greens will renew action in the Senate to tackle the $58 billion-a-year cost of obesity on the Australian community, Australian Greens leader Bob Brown said in Perth today.

"The report from Access Economics showing the annual $58 billion cost of obesity to the Australian community is alarming and unacceptable. The Greens will be reintroducing legislation to the Senate aimed at tackling the problem, beginning with childhood obesity," Senator Brown said.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown today wished all the Australian athletes a successful 2008 Olympic Games.
 
"Australia has a fantastic team of athletes and for the next two weeks I'll be cheering them on like millions of other Australians," Senator Brown said.
 
"After years of hard work, training and sacrifice I wish all our athletes every success and hope they have a terrific time."
 
Senator Brown also congratulated rower and six-time Olympian James Tomkins on being chosen to lead the Australian team at the opening ceremony.
 

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says he wishes Alan Jones a speedy recovery from his illness.
"We haven't always been on the same side of the fence. But Alan Jones has been a colourful part of the commentary and has a big following in the Australian media and we all wish him well," Senator Brown said.
Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603