Majority of Australians support tax on sweet drinks: poll

CANBERRA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A majority of Australians support a tax on sugary beverages proposed by the nation's peak medical body, a poll has found.

The Guardian Essential poll, published on Tuesday, found that 53 percent of 1,038 respondents supported putting a sugar tax on drinks while 38 percent were opposed and 10 percent had no opinion.

Surprisingly, respondents who voted for the governing Liberal National Party (LNP) were among those most in favor of the tax with 57 percent supporting it.

That result came despite LNP Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull repeatedly refusing to entertain a tax on beverages containing added sugar.

The poll came after the Australian Medical Association (AMA) in January announced a renewed push for the tax, saying it would aid in the fight against obesity.

"Improving the nutrition and eating habits of Australians must become a priority for all levels of government," AMA President Michael Gannon said.

The proposal was once again dismissed by Turnbull's government who said that the government "should not dictate the diet of citizens."

"People need to take personal responsibility," Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said.

"Increasing the family grocery bill will not magically make Australians skinny," he added. Enditem