53% of Australians want a sugar tax to be introduced on drinks, according to a poll conducted by The Guardian newspaper, after research found that the consumption of sugary drinks is causing serious health issues amongst young people.

The poll, released by The Guardian on Tuesday, found that 53% of the 1,038 respondents were in favour of a sugar tax, compared with 38% who were opposed and 10% who had no opinion.

The Australian Medical Association recently joined a renewed push for a sugar tax, but the Turnbull government has ruled out the idea on the basis consumers should take “individual responsibility” for their food choices.