South Australia has become the first state in Australia to implement a ban on junk food advertisements on public transport, a move aimed at combating obesity and promoting healthier diets. The new ban will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will prevent the display of unhealthy food and drink products—such as chocolate, chips, ice creams, and soft drinks—on public buses, trains, and trams.

The decision comes in response to mounting evidence linking the marketing of unhealthy foods to poor nutrition, increased food consumption, and rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, particularly among children. Jane Martin from the Food for Health Alliance emphasized the powerful influence of junk food marketing, particularly in spaces where children commute, such as public transport. She stressed the need for positive food advertisements, such as promoting vegetables over fast food.

Government data highlights the alarming rates of obesity in South Australia, with over 63% of adults and 35% of children affected. Without intervention, these numbers are expected to rise by 1,900 children and 48,000 adults over the next five years.

The new ban follows a public consultation process and aims to reduce the influence of unhealthy food marketing, particularly on buses, where nearly 80% of food and drink advertisements currently promote unhealthy products.