Response to the Review of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 Draft Regulatory Impact Statement

The George Institute, together with public health and consumer organisations, are calling for the Australian Government to prioritise the health of Australians and New Zealanders as they consider reforms to our food regulatory system

The George Institute has considerable concerns with the Draft Regulatory Impact Statement as it fails to recognise and address the key issue consistently raised by public health organisations – that our food regulatory system does not meet its primary goal of protecting public health, particularly long-term health and preventable diet-related disease.

The system requires reform, but this must be done in a way that supports the health and wellbeing of the community. Unfortunately, the proposals within this Draft Regulatory Impact Statement would seriously undermine future efforts at protecting public health.

The George Institute strongly recommends that the Review acknowledge the cost of inaction on diet-related disease and put public health measures first. This priority will help ensure that our food regulatory system is equipped to effectively protect the community, prevent diet-related disease and promote a resilient and productive population into the future.