Latest news with #sugartax
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
What other things Jim Chalmers could tax as Aussies face big slugs - on top of booze, tobacco, property... (the list goes on!): PETER VAN ONSELEN
Labor is back in power for at least another three years - given the size of its thumping election victory it's more staying there for another six years at a minimum. And with that certainty comes instant talk of new taxes, despite election commitments to the contrary. Labor's climate and energy spokesman, Chris Bowen, has said that he's open to a carbon tariff on certain products to help Australia meet its 2030 emissions targets. Labor backbencher and medical doctor Mike Freelander wants a sugar tax to help tackle obesity and diabetes. Then there is the super tax set to be legislated when parliament returns at the end of July. This new tax was at least part of Labor's election manifesto, even if it was hardly a central issue during the campaign. And there is speculation that negative gearing concessions and perhaps even the capital gains tax (CGT) break too are up for discussion. The problem with all of the above isn't that changes to the tax and spend system should be off limits. It's not even that most of the options being looked at weren't flagged at the election, or that a number of them were specifically ruled out. The real issue is that what is being looked at is piecemeal and not part of a proper tax reform package that balances tax increases with tax cuts, thereby improving the efficiency of the system at the same time as ensuring that government taxes and spending don't just keep increasing. The pre-election budget already highlighted that the tax-to-GDP ratio is at near record levels, with spending as a percentage of GDP even higher. The government uses the latter to justify more taxes, rather than as a reason to stop the record spending because it's unsustainable. I have no problem in principle with sin taxes such as on sugary products. They mirror other sin taxes on tobacco, alcohol or on industry designed to push down emissons. There is a logic to such a shake-up, as long as cutting other taxes forms part of the discussion. But Australia has shied away from wholesale tax reform ever since Kevin Rudd ignored many of Ken Henry's recommendations in his 2009 tax reform paper, and when Malcolm Turnbull junked the tax and federation white papers Tony Abbott commissioned before losing the prime ministership in a coup. Boomers with more than $3million in super are set to be slugged if the government can get its proposal past the Senate at the end of July Instead these taxes are embraced not as part of a wider review to improve efficiencies and better target who and what to tax, but as a simple revenue grab to keep chasing growing spending which needs to be reined in. The design of the superannuation tax will, in decades to come, turn it into a virtual inheritance tax, given that it's not indexed and will over time engulf many more Australians ' super savings than it will at the point of implementation. The flagging of other taxes to be debated and likely introduced in coming budgets is a sign that Labor is confident in its victory. The size of its victory will neuter the Coalition for years to come. But that confidence should extend to emulating the reforming credentials of the Hawke and Howard administrations. Reforming the GST is another area of tax that needs to be looked at, again with tax cuts in other areas (such as on income taxes for example) as part of the discussion. Let's hope that the growing calls within Labor for higher taxes isn't just as a case of Labor's back - and so are the taxes.
CBC
6 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Soda, juice, and other sugar-sweetened beverages will get cheaper on July 1
The sweet taste of tax relief is coming to Newfoundland and Labrador. The sugar-sweetened beverage tax has been a sticky issue in provincial politics. Now, government says the tax will be gone on July 1st.
CBC
22-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Price of sugary beverages to drop within weeks, says N.L. Finance Minister
Two-litre bottles of Pepsi and other sugar-sweetened beverages for sale in Newfoundland and Labrador will become cheaper for consumers within weeks, according to Finance Minister Siobhan Coady. Premier John Hogan announced on May 12 the province would axe its controversial sugar tax, implemented by former Premier Andrew Furey in 2022 as an incentive to encourage consumers to make healthier beverage choices. Hogan repealed the tax in response to public concerns about affordability, but legislation has yet to come forward in the House of Assembly to have the tax officially eliminated. On Thursday, the legislature concluded its spring session a week early. In the meantime, Coady says the province would remove the tax through regulations by Hogan's cabinet instead of legislation, similar to the federal government's removal of the carbon tax. "We're talking to the retailers and wholesalers to make sure we do this properly and correctly," she said. "We're making sure there's no inventory in the process." PC Leader Tony Wakeham is disappointed the legislation to remove the tax wasn't put forward in the House of Assembly this spring. While the province says the tax will be removed, Wakeham says it won't be eliminated until legislative change takes place in the House. "They're going to do it through regulations, not through the legislature, so it allows the cabinet to actually go back, bring it down to zero and bring it back up again if they so choose," he said, adding that if the House wasn't closing early they would have had time to eliminate the tax entirely. "Bringing in the legislation and eliminating the sugar tax can be done next week," Wakeham said. "Let's bring in the legislation and get it done." The provincial government has taken in more than $35.5 million through the sugar-sweetened beverage tax since its inception in 2022. Coady believes the tax served its purpose to push consumers to pick healthier non-taxed options like diet drinks, some juices and water. "The older demographic continues to drink sugar-sweetened beverages, but the younger demographic certainly has gotten the message," Coady said. She says programs funded by the tax, such as school lunches and supplies for diabetics, will be funded through tightening budgets within some government departments.
South China Morning Post
18-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
The Lens: Malaysia's sugar tax loophole fuels obesity crisis despite government efforts
If you are interested in being a regular contributor for The Lens, please apply by clicking this link. Thoughts from last week Andrea Cheung, 13, Island School Malaysia is one of the most obese countries in Asia, with half of its adult population classified as overweight. The nation is facing a growing childhood obesity epidemic, which has yet to be effectively addressed by the government. As a food-obsessed nation, sugary treats are readily available in convenience stores, and sweetened beverages like Milo and Horlicks are sold on nearly every street corner. Additionally, late-night meals often contain an excessive number of calories. As a result, many citizens are now suffering from diabetes, necessitating lifestyle changes to maintain their health and safety. The increase in obesity and diabetes also places additional strain on the nation's healthcare and emergency services, as more medical professionals are needed to support individuals at high risk for heart attacks and other health complications. In response to rising obesity rates, the Malaysian government has introduced a sugar tax on beverages containing more than five grams of sugar per millilitre. However, drinks prepared and served by restaurants or street vendors are exempt from this tax. This loophole may contribute to the persistent obesity and diabetes rates, as many people continue to buy sugary beverages from street vendors for convenience. To significantly impact public health, the Malaysian government should consider extending the sugar tax to include drinks prepared at eateries. Additionally, promoting a healthier lifestyle is essential. This could involve building more parks for exercise and incorporating daily physical activity into school schedules. By educating the community on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, individuals can improve their well-being while alleviating some pressure on the Malaysian healthcare system. Read up on this issue in last week's The Lens Read and observe Jakarta's new policy requires civil servants to use public transport on Wednesdays. Photo: Xinhua A new policy mandating all civil servants in Jakarta to take public transport every Wednesday to ease chronic traffic congestion has drawn criticism over its practicality. Jakarta's top leaders were seen adhering to the mandate, which took effect on the last Wednesday of April. Governor Pramono Anung took a bus from his official residence to attend a meeting. A deputy governor took the subway and bus to reach Jakarta City Hall, The Jakarta Post reported. Pramono has said the policy will be enforced, although there are currently no sanctions for non-compliance. Authorities would be monitoring civil servants who use private vehicles on Wednesdays, according to news magazine Tempo, citing Pramono. Those who ignore the regulation might not find parking for their vehicles, he added. According to Pramono, the policy applies to about 65,000 personnel, including 45,000 civil servants, with the rest being contract workers. To enforce the policy, road barriers were placed at the entrance to the city hall to block private vehicles. Three security guards were also assigned to guard the gate. Jakarta is ranked the world's seventh most congested city, according to the 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard. According to The Star, citing local statistics, it has 22 million vehicles, double that of its population, with motorcycles accounting for 80 per cent. Only about 10 per cent of daily commuters in Jakarta utilise public transport, a figure far below the city's 55 per cent target by 2045. Due to limited public transport access, employees living in suburban or outlying areas have said they rely on private vehicles to reach a bus or a subway station. While Jakarta's public transport had become more accessible in recent years, significant improvements were still required, particularly to connect the Greater Jakarta area, Pramono said. Staff writers Research and respond Do you believe this mandate is fair? Does it adequately address the diverse transport needs and accommodation of all civil servants? Could this mandate help reduce traffic congestion? Why or why not? What other strategies could Jakarta implement to mitigate traffic congestion? Should other cities consider adopting this scheme? What places could benefit from the measure?
CTV News
13-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Newfoundland and Labrador to end controversial tax on sugary drinks
Sugary drinks are seen at a store Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz ST. JOHN'S — Newfoundland and Labrador's premier says his government will end the province's controversial tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Liberal John Hogan said in the legislature Monday he has asked the finance minister to repeal the so-called 'sugar tax.' The Opposition Progressive Conservatives have long criticized the tax, saying it worsened the cost of living for may families. Tory Leader Tony Wakeham said today he was relieved to hear Hogan's decision. The tax added 20 cents per litre to sugary drinks, including pop, sweetened fruit-flavoured juices, slushies and non-diet fountain sodas. It came into effect in 2022, and was expected to generate roughly $9 million in revenue each year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025.
