Advocates have responded to a proposed junk food advertising ban tabled this week. 

Teal MP Sophie Scamps has introduced the Healthy Kids Advertising Bill 2023 to federal parliament, aiming to combat the growing obesity epidemic by prohibiting junk food advertising on TV and radio between 6am and 9.30pm. 

Dr Scamps said children need to be protected from targeted marketing, as obesity incurs an annual cost of up to $11.8 billion on the Australian healthcare system.

Dr Scamps, supported by fellow teal MP Monique Ryan, proposed extending the ban to live TV, social media, and streaming platforms during children's viewing hours, aligning with the recommendations of the Health Council of the Council of Australian Governments. 

She stressed that current restrictions are inadequate and self-regulation has proven ineffective.

The bill has garnered support from influential organisations, including the Australian Medical Association, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and the Public Health Association. 

Dr Scamps received praise for her initiative in prioritising children's health over industry profits.

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveal that 29 per cent of children in regional areas and 23 per cent in metropolitan areas are overweight or obese. 

The federal government's 10-year national obesity strategy highlighted the need to reduce exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertising, given the $550 million spent annually by advertisers, with a majority promoting products high in fat, sugar, and salt.

The Scamps plan aligns with calls for a ban on gambling advertising during live sports by independents and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. 

The bill's introduction reflects a broader shift in community expectations regarding products that can cause harm, as acknowledged by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.