Proposed restriction of unhealthy food and drink advertising on South Australian buses, trams and trains

Consultation has concluded.


Have your say on a proposed policy to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on South Australian buses, trams and trains. 

What's being decided?

We want to explore options to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on government owned buses, trains and trams. Preventive Health SA in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, have drafted a proposed evidence-based policy which considers:

  • Goals and objectives
  • The scope of the policy
  • The food and drink classification systems

We are seeking feedback on the proposed policy approach including supporting or conflicting evidence, and potential challenges and opportunities. Your feedback from this consultation will be considered to help finalise the proposed policy approach and its implementation.

Background

We are committed to creating healthy environments which support South Australians to access and consume healthy foods and reduce the risk of developing diet-related conditions.

South Australians are regularly exposed to unhealthy food and drink advertising and marketing. Evidence demonstrates that food advertising influences food preferences, purchasing and consumption patterns, especially for children.

Unhealthy diets continue to be a leading public health risk. Reducing exposure to unhealthy food and drink marketing, promotion and sponsorship, especially children’s exposure, is a strategy within the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032 (Strategy 1.6).

The Restriction of Unhealthy Food Advertising on South Australian Government Assets Working Group was established in 2023 to explore how to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on government property, initially focusing on South Australian public transit assets (buses, trains, trams).

Get Involved

Find out more:

Share your feedback by completing the survey below.

What are the next steps?

We will consider your feedback to finalise the proposed policy approach and its implementation.

Consultation has concluded.


Have your say on a proposed policy to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on South Australian buses, trams and trains. 

What's being decided?

We want to explore options to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on government owned buses, trains and trams. Preventive Health SA in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, have drafted a proposed evidence-based policy which considers:

  • Goals and objectives
  • The scope of the policy
  • The food and drink classification systems

We are seeking feedback on the proposed policy approach including supporting or conflicting evidence, and potential challenges and opportunities. Your feedback from this consultation will be considered to help finalise the proposed policy approach and its implementation.

Background

We are committed to creating healthy environments which support South Australians to access and consume healthy foods and reduce the risk of developing diet-related conditions.

South Australians are regularly exposed to unhealthy food and drink advertising and marketing. Evidence demonstrates that food advertising influences food preferences, purchasing and consumption patterns, especially for children.

Unhealthy diets continue to be a leading public health risk. Reducing exposure to unhealthy food and drink marketing, promotion and sponsorship, especially children’s exposure, is a strategy within the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032 (Strategy 1.6).

The Restriction of Unhealthy Food Advertising on South Australian Government Assets Working Group was established in 2023 to explore how to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on government property, initially focusing on South Australian public transit assets (buses, trains, trams).

Get Involved

Find out more:

Share your feedback by completing the survey below.

What are the next steps?

We will consider your feedback to finalise the proposed policy approach and its implementation.

Consultation has concluded

  • Consultation outcome

    On 4 January 2025, the Government of South Australia announced a new policy to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on the interior and exterior of public buses, trains and trams. From 1 July 2025, images of unhealthy products such as chocolate, lollies, confectionary, desserts, ice creams, soft drinks and chips will no longer be permitted on these assets.

    This evidenced-based policy has been informed by a public consultation process, which sought to understand the perspective and feedback of key stakeholders including public health organisations, the food and beverage industry, and the advertising industry.

    Preventive Health SA, in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, are leading the implementation of this policy. For more information and to view a copy of the policy, visit the Preventive Health SA website.

  • Consultation update

    Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our proposed policy approach to restricting unhealthy food and drink advertising on South Australian buses, trams and trains.

    Fifty-seven unique submissions were received and included in the final consultation analysis from a range of respondents including the alcohol industry, public health sector, media/advertising sector, food and beverage industry, universities, government, and the public.

    39 submissions consented to being publicly shared which can be read in our consultation submission.

    Feedback on this issue is currently being considered by the Government of South Australia.