Anti-obesity ad campaign a hit: Abbott
Date: 23/03/06
Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott says his own kids' latest fashion fad is proof the federal government's campaign against childhood obesity is working.
Mr Abbott was talking about the government's multimillion-dollar advertising initiatives, including television advertisements and t-shirts, to tackle obesity among Australia's young.
Two separate campaigns - one promoted by the "Vegie Man" character encouraging children to eat healthy food, and another urging children to "get off the couch" and exercise - were getting through to Australian kids, he said.
And he reckoned both campaigns would prove effective, despite the abundance of junk-food advertising on television.
"It'll certainly help," he told reporters.
"The Go for 2&5 (2&5) Vegie Man campaign and more recently the `get off your couch' campaign ... both of those ads certainly have made an impact on my kids because they both want to wear the t-shirts of the ad."
Mr Abbott appealed to advertisers to be "responsible" about marketing to children.
But he stopped short of supporting calls for a ban on junk-food advertising during children's viewing hours.
"It's important that there should be a responsible attitude by advertisers," he said.
"The advertising code governing what is put on during children's viewing hours is currently being reviewed to try to ensure that food advertising, in particular, is done responsibly."
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