Media release: Regulations on lifestyle a dangerous precedent
Wellington (20 April 2016): Regulations and taxes on sugar are unlikely to improve public health, a new report from The New Zealand Initiative says.
The Health of the State report, released today, argues that paternalistic regulations have an adverse effect on society where freedom of choice is increasingly becoming permitted only with the consent of the state.
“There is little robust evidence to suggest these policies are actually changing behaviour in the way they are meant to,” says Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of The New Zealand Initiative.
“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.”
The New Zealand Initiative believes that informed consumers can make informed choices about their lives.
“There are no silver bullets out there. If you really care about obesity and nutrition, and also respect people’s right to choose for themselves, alternatives like education can ensure that people make informed choices, even if those choices might not always be what a nutritionist would recommend,” says Dr Hartwich.
“Each new regulation, harmless as it may seem, is a step on a slippery slope. What today mainly affects food and beverages could soon be something that applies to cars, clothing or our leisure activities.”
The report, authored by Policy Analyst Jenesa Jeram, uses an economic framework to argue that careful analysis needs to be applied to all new lifestyle regulations. It highlights the importance of consumer sovereignty for setting public policy, and presents case studies on e-cigarettes, sugar taxes and alcohol.
ENDS
To arrange an interview, please contact:
Jennifer Brasch
Acumen Republic on behalf of The New Zealand Initiative
Phone: 04 494 5136
Email: jbrasch@acumenrepublic.com
About The New Zealand Initiative
The New Zealand Initiative is an evidence-based think tank and research institute, which is supported by a membership organisation that counts some of the country’s leading visionaries, business leaders and political thinkers among its ranks.
Our members are committed to developing policies to make New Zealand a better country for all its citizens. We believe all New Zealanders deserve a world-class education system, affordable housing, a healthy environment, sound public finances and a stable currency.
The New Zealand Initiative pursues this goal by participating in public life, and making a contribution to public discussions.
For more information visit www.nzinitiative.org.nz