Restriction of unhealthy food and drink advertising on South Australian government transit assets

9 January 2025

Background
On 4 January, the South Australian government announced a policy banning unhealthy food and drink advertising on public transport – metro buses, train and trams – effective from 1 July 2025. This includes advertisements for items such as chocolate, confectionery, desserts, ice creams, soft drinks, and chips. Advertisements can only feature master branding alongside healthy food images or on their own without food imagery.

Implementation
Preventive Health SA, in collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, will implement this policy to reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy advertising, which is believed to correlate with reduced purchasing of these products. The government is also considering further measures to address the issue in 2025.

Issues for Members
Other states and territories may follow suit with similar health policies regarding unhealthy food and drink advertising on government transit assets.

AFGC Action
The AFGC is engaging with other industry bodies to respond to this ban. Separately, the AFGC will be engaging directly with Members of the Government in South Australia to highlight the flaws in their approach and encourage them to consider the impact of this ban.

The AFGC will continue monitoring developments and update members accordingly.

Contact

For more information, contact Dr Duncan Craig, Director – Nutrition and Regulation or Scott McGrath, Director – Government and Media Relations.

Dr Duncan Craig
Director – Nutrition and Regulation