ADCA outlines its position for Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill

The Chief Executive Officer for the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), David Templeman has this morning provided a witness statement to the Senate Inquiry into the Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill 2007.

Mr Templeman, who appeared at the first session of hearings in Melbourne, stated that ADCA was supportive of the Government’s approach to alcohol misuse in Australia, but that much more needed to be done.

“ADCA welcomes the Federal Government’s interest and support for alcohol misuse, including the $53million provided to address binge drinking.  It’s a great start, but unfortunately we believe it’s no where near what’s required to significantly address this important issue.”

“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,” Mr Templeman said.