Hundreds of supermarket items could get more expensive: Here’s why

A federal parliamentary probe into diabetes has recommended slapping a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and it has the backing of the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Video transcript

Aussies could soon be forced to spend even more money on hundreds of supermarket items.

Here's why a federal parliamentary probe into diabetes has recommended slapping a tax on sugar sweetened beverages, and it has the backing of the Australian Medical Association.

The A MA predicts a sugar tax could result in 16,000 fewer Type two diabetes cases as well as 4400 fewer cases of heart and 1100 fewer cases of stroke over 25 years.

A MA president, Professor Steve Robson, said AM A's modelling suggests a sugar tax could result in government revenue of $4 billion across four years, which could be used to fund further preventative health activities.

He added.

We are 100% behind the sugar tax on sugar sweetened beverages.

Prevention is better than QR and this inquiry has realised we need to be ahead of what is a national health crisis.

The A MA said a proposed tax rate of 40 cents per 100 grammes of sugar would raise the retail price of the average supermarket sugary drink by 20%.

The tax would likely increase the cost of items like soft drinks, cordial juices, sweetened coffee and teas, sports drinks and other beverages.

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