Mr MILLS - 2006-08-31
Considering the fact that high sugar and high fat foods are readily consumed in all school canteens across the Northern Territory, will you support the CLP in our call to introduce strict food and beverage standards into Northern Territory school canteens? If not, what do you intend to do to address rising childhood obesity rates?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I would sooner put my trust with the mums and dads of school councils and the principals of all of our schools who are responsible for what goes through school canteens. Many school councils I have been at - I believe it is generic - have a canteen report on the standing agenda for school councils. Often the item for discussion is about particular products. They are the rightful custodians of these matters. I trust the mums and dads and principals of our schools to do the right thing.
Ms Carney: Oh, you have just released a school uniforms policy, what is the difference?
Mr Warren interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Goyder!
Mr STIRLING: There was something to add.
I believe the Minister for Health has something further to contribute, Madam Speaker.
Dr TOYNE (Health): Madam Speaker, I will not take long. For the information of members, the Australian Council of Food Manufacturers has announced their intention to phase out aerated sugary drinks from school canteens nationally as an industry code of practice. That should be put in place over the next two years, so that will help.
Ms Carney: You bring in a uniforms policy, but no food policy!
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I would sooner put my trust with the mums and dads of school councils and the principals of all of our schools who are responsible for what goes through school canteens. Many school councils I have been at - I believe it is generic - have a canteen report on the standing agenda for school councils. Often the item for discussion is about particular products. They are the rightful custodians of these matters. I trust the mums and dads and principals of our schools to do the right thing.
Ms Carney: Oh, you have just released a school uniforms policy, what is the difference?
Mr Warren interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Goyder!
Mr STIRLING: There was something to add.
I believe the Minister for Health has something further to contribute, Madam Speaker.
Dr TOYNE (Health): Madam Speaker, I will not take long. For the information of members, the Australian Council of Food Manufacturers has announced their intention to phase out aerated sugary drinks from school canteens nationally as an industry code of practice. That should be put in place over the next two years, so that will help.
Ms Carney: You bring in a uniforms policy, but no food policy!
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016