Development of Australia's front‐of‐pack interpretative nutrition labelling Health Star Rating system: lessons for public health advocates

Abstract

ObjectivesTo draw advocacy lessons from actions undertaken by public health groups to assist the development of Australia and New Zealand's Health Star Rating (HSR) front‐of‐pack nutrition labelling system. MethodsThe advocacy approaches undertaken by the Public Health Association of Australia leading up to the time of the adoption of the HSR is examined using a 10 step advocacy framework. Key roles in advocacy planning and implementation are described, along with coordinating efforts by health and consumer groups during the HSR development processes. ResultsHSR aims to support consumers to make informed choices to protect from diet‐related diseases, including obesity. The HSR launched despite a number of major obstacles, owing to a strategic, coordinated advocacy effort undertaken by a guiding coalition. ConclusionsActions to improve nutrition are often highly contested, particularly if the desired outcome competes with commercial interests. However, by deploying a structured approach to public health advocacy it is possible to influence government despite opposition from commercial interests. Implications for public healthA shared vision and a coordinated effort by public health professionals enabled advocates to overcome undue commercial influence.