The work of two health coalitions, one focused on promoting a safer community drinking culture and the other dedicated to reducing obesity in Australia, were recognised at the annual Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) awards last month.The Alcohol Policy Coalition was joint winner of the 2009 VicHealth Award for Advocacy for its stand against a Jim Beam advertisement known as ‘The Stalker’. The Coalition complained to the Advertising Standards Bureau that the advertisement associated alcohol with dangerous behaviour, with the complaint upheld and the ad taken off air.

The Obesity Policy Coalition shared the Advocacy Award for its submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission where, together with the Australian Dental association and the Parents Jury, it argued that a ‘Myth Busting’ advertisement by Coca-Cola was in breach of the Trade Practices Act. The Commission said it considered the advertising was potentially misleading and deceptive and asked Coca-Cola to give court-enforceable undertakings to publish corrective advertising in newspapers across the country.

“With these awards we recognise outstanding achievements and innovative contributions being undertaken by VicHealth’s partners to promote good health around the State,” explained VicHealth Chief Executive Officer, Todd Harper. “The work of the Alcohol and Obesity Policy Coalitions demonstrates that by developing well-researched and compelling arguments, small but determined groups can partner together and successfully challenge the advertising and marketing practices of big businesses.

“These are text book cases of David triumphing over Goliath and they represent victories for health over profits.”

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