hoptis
Bluelight Crew
- Joined
- May 1, 2002
- Messages
- 11,083
Rudd Government to tackle binge drinking
By Adam Gartrell and Peter Veness
February 20, 2008 04:10pm
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd is looking at ways to tackle what he says is a worsening "epidemic" of binge drinking.
Mr Rudd said after speaking with police officers around the country, he was convinced alcohol abuse was a growing problem.
"It's starting to get somewhat out of hand," Mr Rudd told Fairfax Radio Network.
"I am concerned about what I describe as an epidemic of binge drinking across the country. I think it's not good.
"I've already begun to have some discussions with the federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon about what we might do on this front."
Alcohol is the second biggest contributor – after smoking – to Australia's chronic disease burden. Alcohol-related harm is estimated to cost the community in excess of $15bn annually.
Family First Senator Steve Fielding said he had spoken at length with Mr Rudd about binge drinking and was gratified that he had listened.
"It's a huge issue and I think the prime minister is quite rightly realising it is a growing problem, not just sort of static," Senator Fielding said.
Senator Fielding last year introduced into Parliament an Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill, which a Senate inquiry is examining.
The Bill would require health information labels to be placed on alcohol products, require alcohol advertising to be approved by a government body, and restrict alcohol ads to after 9pm and before 5am.
Alcohol ads aimed at children or which link drinking to personal, business, sporting, social or sexual success would be banned under Senator Fielding's Bill.
The Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation (AERF), which earlier this month released results of a survey showing Australia's binge drinking culture persists, welcomed Mr Rudd's focus on the issue.
AERF chief executive Daryl Smeaton said his foundation's efforts to draw attention to the problem had fallen on deaf ears with the previous Government.
"It's the first time I can recall a prime minister saying alcohol abuse is an epidemic and binge drinking is a part of it," he said.
Mr Smeaton said Senator Fielding's proposals were good, but steps also needed to be taken to limit the availability of alcohol.
Chairman of the Australian Medical Association Public Health Committee John Gullotta said the adverse health effects of binge drinking were "severe".
"It affects the liver, and also has psychological effects and effects on the ability to make decisions, which can lead to promiscuity and people acting irrationally."
Dr Gullotta said a comprehensive education campaign was needed.
News.com.au