Calls for an increase to the petrol excise to help reduce obesity

A new study recommends raising the petrol tax to help reduce obesity.

The theory goes that higher petrol prices will encourage more people to cycle or walk to the train station.

Modelling from Deakin University shows a 10c per litre increase could save $30m in healthcare costs.

Ph.D. student Vicki Brown told Neil Mitchell she’s aware it would be an unpopular decision.

‘The research is about making the healthier choice the better choice, and the easier choice,’ she said.

‘Increasing the cost of private motor vehicle travel will only be effective as an obesity prevention measure if we have efficient, affordable, convenient alternatives.

‘Obviously, we would need to be re-investing this government revenue into areas that need it.’

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