The Australians of the Year have demanded a radical overhaul to the way society treats tanning, calling for it to be elevated to the same public health status as smoking, road and beach safety.

Professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, who were recognised for their breakthrough world-first melanoma cure, urged Australians to stop “glamourising” tanning in order to wipe out deaths from the “national cancer”.

In a moving speech, the pair appealed to advertisers and social media influencers to stop using tanned bodies to sell, advertise or entertain.

Their work has already saved the lives of thousands of residents across the country from what is considered our “national cancer”. (Alex Ellinghausen)

“When it comes to tanning, we are swimming outside the flags,” Long said.

“A tan is skin cells in trauma from overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. There is nothing healthy about a tan, nothing.

“Our bronzed Aussie culture is actually killing us.”

Prime Minister Anthony …