Health report dismissed as propaganda

A new health report from right-wing think-tank the New Zealand Initiative has been dismissed as ‘‘ideological big business propaganda'' by a leading University of Otago public health researcher.

National Addiction Centre director Prof Doug Sellman was contacted for comment on the report called The Health of the State, which claims a sugar tax and other ‘‘lifestyle regulations'', including restrictions on alcohol marketing, are unlikely to improve public health.

Released last night, the report argues that ‘‘paternalistic regulations'' place unnecessary limits on individual choice.

The report takes issue with public health advocates who argue that lifestyle regulations can save money through lower health system and other costs.

‘‘Those who live long and healthy may end up costing the system more in end-of-life costs and superannuation,'' the report says.

The New Zealand Initiative executive director Dr Oliver Hartwich said there was little evidence to suggest the restrictions worked.

‘‘What we are seeing nowadays goes far beyond old-fashioned paternalism. Whether it is salt, fat or sugar, there is hardly a food ingredient around where there are no discussions about potential regulations, taxes, or even bans.''

Such measures could become a ‘‘slippery slope'' and lead to further restrictions on freedom of choice, Dr Hartwich said.

The report also calls for a loosening of restrictions on electronic cigarettes, as they were less harmful than tobacco.

Prof Sellman claimed the think-tank was influenced by corporate interests, and its report appeared to ignore well-regarded research that contradicted its view.

‘‘I think the public would be interested in knowing which big businesses are funding the New Zealand Initiative.

‘‘I'm not prepared to take this report at all seriously, and view it essentially as ideological big business propaganda.''

eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement