Junk food advertisements will be banned from commercial television at certain times of the day in Australia if a new Bill introduced today by the Australian Greens party is passed. The ‘Protecting Children from Junk Food Advertising (Broadcasting and Telecommunications Amendment)’ private member’s bill seeks a ban on “junk food” advertisements on commercial television from 6-9am and 4-9pm on weekdays, and from 6am-12pm and 4-9pm on weekends and school holidays. Junk food is defined by the... ...Read more »

Gene Ethics’ election survey found both major parties are very aware of deep community concerns over Genetically Manipulated Organisms (GMOs) on farms and in food. But unlike the Greens, neither the ALP nor the Coalition would commit to strengthen the law or regulatory systems. “This complacency over GM threats means the Greens’ clear support for GM-free futures and precaution on GM food and crops will be crucial if they hold the balance of power in the next parliament,” says... ...Read more »

Speaking in Orange today Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown called for a national register of foreign purchases of land or water in rural Australia.”In the coming century food and fibre production will be a huge issue as the world population soars to 10 billion people or more,” said Senator Brown. “It is important Australians know who owns the productive farmlands and water rights of our country. “Currently there is no register except in Queensland nor any vetting of foreign... ...Read more »

The South Australian Liberal Opposition is the only party that has not made a clear and unequivocal election promise to extend the present ban on genetically manipulated (GM) crops for the term of the next government.”The ALP government, the Greens and Democrats all commit to ban commercial GM crops until 2014 at least” says Gene Ethics Director Bob Phelps. Mr Phelps applauds the parties who have promised to continue the ban on GM crops in South Australia.  He believes that being GM... ...Read more »

The Greens and Senator Xenophon will introduce a bill for ‘truth in food labelling’ when Parliament resumes next month. The bill seeks changes to eligibility requirements for using the Made in Australia label. “The ‘Made in Australia’ label is currently being given to some foods that only incur half of their total manufacturing costs in Australia,” Greens Leader Bob Brown remarked. “Most consumers want to do what they can to support Australian workers and... ...Read more »

An Australia-wide drink container deposit system is being considered by the Federal Government, with Family First and the Greens both pushing for legislation similar to that seen in South Australia. The idea involves adding a 10c levy to packaged beverages, which can be recovered by consumers when they recycle it. The leading representative of food and beverage manufacturers, the Australian Food and Grocery Council, is against the push, claiming it could cost Australians almost $500 million a year... ...Read more »

A Victorian Green plan to introduce a 10 cent returnable deposit on all drink bottles, can and cartons should be rolled out nationally, according to the Greens Sustainable Cities Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam. The Greens believe the scheme, which will be similar but “more comprehensive” than South Australia’s, will create up to 400 new jobs and 300 recycling centres across Victoria. “This is an initiative that would reduce waste, slash council rates, provide consumer... ...Read more »

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown yesterday led off debate on the Protecting Children from Junk Food Advertising Bill 2009 in the Senate, which proposes a ban on junk food and alcohol advertising during peak viewing times of children as well as restrictions on promoting unhealthy food at schools. Both major parties have indicated they are likely to vote against the proposed legislation, however. Senator Brown told the Senate that the lack of support from Labor represented a serious strategic mistake... ...Read more »