Broadcasting Services Amendment (Healthy Kids Advertising) 2023

# Broadcasting Services Amendment (Healthy Kids Advertising) 2023 ## What it does This bill updates Australia's broadcasting rules to restrict advertising of unhealthy food and drinks—particularly junk food ads that target children. It adds new protections into the Broadcasting Services Act so TV, radio and online broadcasters must follow stricter rules about when and how they can promote sugary drinks, fast food, and other products flagged as unhealthy. ## Why it matters Childhood obesity and related health problems are linked to exposure to junk food marketing. This law aims to reduce that exposure by controlling what food ads kids actually see during their viewing time, potentially protecting their health before bad eating habits start. ## Key details - **What counts as "unhealthy"**: The bill uses the 2018 National interim guide from COAG Health Council to define which foods can't be advertised to kids—think sugary drinks, high-fat snacks, and similar products. The Health Minister can also add more items to the banned list if needed. - **Who's affected**: Broadcasters (TV, radio stations, online platforms) have to comply. Advertisers selling unhealthy food will face restrictions on when they can run ads. - **When it starts**: The law kicks in once Parliament approves funding for it—no specific date is set yet.