ADCA Says Senate Inquiry is a Great Start, But More Needs to be Done

Chief Executive Officer for the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), David Templeman, has called for more to be done to address alcohol misuse in Australia at the Senate Inquiry on the Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill 2007.

Mr Templeman, who appeared at the first session of hearings in Melbourne today (6 May 2008), said ADCA was supportive of the Government’s approach to the issue, but that much more support was needed.

“ADCA commends the Federal Government for initiating action to raise Australia’s alcohol problems to the top of their national agenda. The focus on recent announcements to double the tax on ready-to-drink (RTD’s) alcoholic beverages as well as the $53 million provided to address binge drinking is a great start, but unfortunately we believe it’s no where near what’s required to significantly address this important issue," Mr templeman said.

“The fact remains alcohol problems in Australia are costing our economy at total of $15.3 billion a year and the Government only recoups $6 billion annually in alcohol taxes. This does not equate and to address this in-balance there needs to be an honest and transparent review of the taxation system.”

ADCA agrees with the Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon MP, that the $2 billion increase in revenue the new taxation on RTD’s will bring, should be put towards preventative health programs to ensure a long-term support campaign is established for those who need it most.

The statistics indicate that some 3000 people die annually and 10 000 others need ongoing medical treatment as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

“This puts a significant burden on the Australian economy and urgent assistance is required to improve awareness and education around alcohol consumption, and related health and rehabilitation issues,” Mr Templeman said.

“ADCA has been advocating for sometime encouraging a united stand amongst the AOD sector for ‘one voice’ in the fight against alcohol misuse. We believe alcohol requires high priority attention in a similar vein and funding to that allocated for illicit drugs and tobacco awareness and education. Alcohol is a drug – TOO!” 

Mr Templeman’s Statement to the Senate Inquiry and ADCA’s full submission is available at www.adca.org.au.