The commercial determinants refer to the various economic factors and business practices that influence health outcomes. Commercial players have a significant impact on population dietary intake, creating conditions which drive the consumption of highly processed unhealthy food and drinks. Marketing practices, such as advertising are one example of a strategy used by the food and drink industry to shape consumer behaviour and health choices by influencing purchasing behaviours and dietary consumption. As such, these determinants are a critical area for public health action.
In 2024, Preventive Health SA in partnership with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport undertook exploratory work to develop an understanding of the various policy options to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on government owned assets. A public consultation period was held seeking feedback on a proposed policy position for South Australia, attracting feedback from a variety of stakeholders including the alcohol industry, food and beverage industry, media and advertising sector and public health sector. Following consolidation of consultation findings, the Government of South Australia announced in January 2025 approval of a policy to restrict the advertising of unhealthy foods and drinks on government owned buses trams and trains, and that the Government wide policy would take effect from 1 July 2025.
This policy to restrict unhealthy advertising on South Australian transit assets is a small step towards action on the commercial determinants of health. Collaboration is difficult but essential, recognising that intersectoral action is critical to achieve population health outcomes by creating environments that support the population to make healthy choices and be free from commercial influence. This presentation will reflect on the journey through the policy development phase, key learnings from policy implementation, and the critical success factors for public health policy.