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Thursday 27 April 2017

Time for a sugar tax?

Vegetables inflation

Yesterday's inflation figures showed that the price of vegetables has increased by a thumping 13.1 per cent over the year to March 2017. 

The significant increase in the price of vegetables has been driven by adverse weather conditions in the major growing areas.

Potatoes, cauliflower, cabbages, and salad vegetables have been hit hard (although there's better news if capsicum and broccoli are more your thing). 


Not surprisingly, recent studies have shown that a sugar tax could result in improved life expectancy and reduced health costs.

Some countries have introduced measures to tax and subsidies certain food types to change consumption patterns.

For example, a tax could be applied to sugary drinks, but healthier foods such as fruit and vegetables might be subsidised. 

Maybe now is a good time for Australia to follow suit. 

If not then the present price fluctuations appear likely to lead to poorer diets.