New research by VicHealth (the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation) suggests that three quarters of Victorians support a levy on alcohol and junk food advertising, with proceeds going to replace sponsorship by these industries in community sports. The survey also found that more than four out of five Victorians would like to see and end to alcohol sponsorship of local sports clubs, provided the lost funds are made up. The survey, conducted in November last year, randomly surveyed 1500 Victorians... ...Read more »

The work of two health coalitions, one focused on promoting a safer community drinking culture and the other dedicated to reducing obesity in Australia, were recognised at the annual Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) awards last month.The Alcohol Policy Coalition was joint winner of the 2009 VicHealth Award for Advocacy for its stand against a Jim Beam advertisement known as ‘The Stalker’. The Coalition complained to the Advertising Standards Bureau that the advertisement... ...Read more »

A survey commissioned by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) has indicated that the majority of Victorians support the introduction of labels detailing health information on alcohol products. VicHealth has been a key promoter of the push toward warning labels on alcohol products akin to those on cigarette packages (graphic images aside). And a statewide survey commissioned by the health group has implied strong support from the public – or, at least, limited resistance –... ...Read more »

Less than one in ten adults in Victoria reaches the recommended daily intake of vegetables, a statistic that VicHealth is hoping to change with new research programs into the state’s food supply. The funding for research into Victoria’s food supply is part of a package of new projects to tackle some of the key health issues facing the state. “These research grants focus on the big drivers of poor health including alcohol, physical inactivity, discrimination, violence, health inequalities,... ...Read more »

Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Todd Harper, has proposed removing the current excise on light beer to promote the consumption of products with lower alcohol volumes. “With a rising tide of binge drinking and associated violence and crime, it’s essential that we shift our drinking culture towards lower alcohol alternatives,” Mr Harper said. According to Mr Harper, the tax system provides the best chance to encourage consumers to switch their... ...Read more »