The role of taxes and subsidies in promoting healthy lifestyles: An economic analysis

The proposal looks at two critically important policy questions in public health terms - obesity prevention and changing consumption patterns with respect to drinks consumption, including alcohol. In these areas there is a major public health problem which needs to be addressed. Obesity rates are increasing dramatically across Australian society, and alcohol consumption is also a major concern in terms of the future health and productivity of our society. Here we address the implications of potential price changes on the consumption of differing food and alcohol products, and the effects of price changes not only on the consumption of the product under investigation but also complimentary and substitutable products.