“While the editorial calls on the Federal Government to take action, it’s time all parties across the alcohol sector worked together to achieve a common understanding of the impact excessive consumption of alcohol is having on the Australian community,” ADCA CEO David Templeman said.

“Annual alcohol sales statistics published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in recent past have played a crucial role in helping governments and the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector to assess and address a range of elements associated with alcohol consumption.” 

Mr Templeman said the collection of proper meaningful statistics was essential in the evaluation of community initiatives to reduce alcohol-related harm and the effects of liquor licensing changes.

“As the national Peak for the AOD sector, ADCA encourages industry to acknowledge a corporate social responsibility, and to work with the governments and the AOD sector to ensure relevant data is collected and maintained,” Mr Templeman said.

“Professor Wayne Hall and his senior researchers from the University of Queensland’s School of Population Health are to be congratulated for bringing this issue forward.”

Mr Templeman said the call for a data collection strategy was a major issue to ensure we have reliable, consistent, and accurate information which is agreed by all parties in this debate.

“Data collection, along with health warning labels, advertising and marketing, RTDs and outlet density are real matters of concern, and it is unfortunate that profit is put ahead of public health needs,” Mr Templeman said.

“It’s high time to stop listening to the ignorance about alcohol-related harm, and for everyone to act responsibly on behalf of affected communities to achieve sensible and workable outcomes.

“Governments, the liquor industry, the AOD sector, and the wider community all have a shared responsibility as ‘Alcohol is a drug – TOO!’.”