Sugar... Reknowned Australian journalist, presenter and author Peter Fitzsimons published a piece in the Sydney Morning Herald this week, imploring the Australian Government to introduce a sugar tax.   "There is nothing so powerful,” that great French fullback Victor Hugo once said, “as an idea whose time has come.” Enter, stage right, an Australian sugar tax – putting an impost on processed products overladen with sugar. The logic is irrefutable: Overconsumption of sugar is not only causing an obesity epidemic throughout our brown and pleasant land but also causing a shocking increase in such diseases as Type 2 Diabetes. As a country, as a community, we therefore need to both reduce that consumption and find a way to pay for the soaring health costs. International best practice is to introduce a sugar tax, which accomplishes three things: discourages the consumption of sugar-laden products; raises revenue now from those who will be using the hospital wards in the future; and encourages manufacturers to lower their sugar content." This follows on from a segment that appeared on Four Corners this week - you can view it and read the transcript, over here.   Cancer Council has long advocated for the introduction of a tax on sugar. Indeed research by Cancer Council NSW supports that it would actually boost our economy:   "...the study estimates that over the lifetime of the adult Australian population, the tax would translate into productivity gains of $750 million just in the paid work sector, and another $1,170 million worth of volunteer work and other unpaid work."   What are your thoughts?   Should there be a tax on sugar? ... View more

Our April newsletter was sent out earlier this week to all our members, here's a copy to read at your leisure! If you would look to receive this in your inboxes, simply sign up to the Online Community.   Welcome to the April edition! Welcome to the latest edition of the Cancer Council Online Community news.   Thank you to those that gave your input last month on what to name our 'General Discussion' forum. After reviewing the submissions, our larger team decided upon 'Have a chat' as a new name for that forum.   We'd also like to extend a warm welcome to all our new members, we look forward to seeing you in the community soon.   Introduce yourself     Whether you're new to the Online Community or a seasoned veteran, we'd love to get to know you better. If you have a few minutes to spare, be sure to stop by our Introductions thread in the forums and tell us a little bit about yourselves.   Please don't be shy!   Expression through writing   Creative writing is an incredible outlet for many people, and can be amazing way to explore your cancer journey.   We invite you to read the incredible submissions posted by some of our members in recent weeks or perhaps you would like to contribute something of your own?   Webinar: How do we care for the Carer?     Caring for someone with cancer involves managing both your own physical and emotional needs and those of the person you are caring for.   Our next webinar takes place on Thursday, the 26th of April from 7pm-8pm and is free to attend. It works across all devices and if you are unable to attend, we welcome you to register your interest regardless, as you will be sent a link to view at your leisure after the webinar has concluded.   Kind Regards, Kate and the Online Community team ... View more