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RESEARCH SHOWS THE $16bn ALCOHOL TOLL STARTS YOUNG

Press Releases September 07 2009

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The Rudd Government needs to act now to address Australia’s $16 billion alcohol toll following the release of research by Roy Morgan, Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.

The research released today found that more than 12 million Australians were not aware of the guidelines which advise that the safest option for teenagers is to delay drinking for as long as possible.

“To have more than half the population unaware of the new national guidelines on the responsible consumption of alcohol is simply shocking,” Senator Fielding said.

“Medical research shows the earlier a person starts drinking, the more likely it is they will have problems with alcohol later in life.

“The culture of binge drinking in this country has got to stop, because people are sick of the alcohol related violence which is taking place across the country every weekend.

“It costs taxpayers $16bn a year mopping up after the excessive consumption of alcohol, with 40 percent of police work spent on alcohol-related issues.

“The Rudd Government needs to get on the job of putting an end to the $16bn alcohol toll as recommended in the National Preventative Health Taskforce Report.

“The report makes it crystal clear to the Rudd Government that simply slapping a tax on alcohol products isn’t the only way to address our country’s health problems.

“Tighter controls on alcohol advertising and health warning labels are needed in combination with business support for the ‘Just Think’ campaign.

The ‘Just Think’ campaign sends a strong message that alcohol abuse and reckless violence has no part in our society.

“Business groups like AIG, BCA, ACCI and local chamber of commerce groups can lead the way in changing our binge drinking culture and putting an end to the $16bn alcohol toll.

“AFL clubs have got on board and have realised the importance of creating a healthy workplace so its important business groups get behind the cause as well.

“Wouldn’t it be great if every workplace had ‘Just Think’ posters up around their staff rooms, water coolers and kitchens to get people talking about the alcohol toll.”