| 15 March 2009 - Senate Crunch-time for Alcopop Tax Vote |
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The Alcohol and other Drugs Council (ADCA) is calling on all political parties to encourage the Senate to pass the alcopop taxation legislation.
ADCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr David Templeman, said this legislation should be agreed on the basis of all Senators understanding the priorities required to deliver the best health and wellbeing result for the community. "What seems to have been lost in this alcopop debate is the fact that party politics is being put ahead of the health and wellbeing of all Australians," Mr Templeman said. "Revenue from the alcopop tax will contribute to enhancing prevention and treatment services, and help to reduce the current social and economic burden on families and the Australian economy caused by excessive alcohol consumption. "It is pleasing to hear that Family First's Senator Steve Fielding recognises these Bills are an important initiative to address a national health problem caused by alcohol. ADCA hopes that Senator Fielding can reach a compromise on his issues of concern, namely matters relating to alcohol warnings, labelling, and marketing/ advertising." Mr Templeman said that Senators need to acknowledge the evidence that the tax was working and there had been a proven reduction in alcohol sales following its introduction. "Since the increase, we have seen a 2.7 percent reduction in total alcohol sales across the nation, this represents a reduction of 2.6 million litres of pure alcohol on a year to year basis," Mr Templeman said. "The sales data shows a decline in purchases over nine months, which leads to the conclusion that there has been a similar fall in consumption. No one can ignore the fact that excessive alcohol consumption is estimated to cost the Australian community $15.3 billion, and 3000 lives a year." Mr Templeman said that various market research surveys over the past 12 months had demonstrated significant community support for the Government's initiative, and the need for further alcohol tax reforms. "The alcopop tax is above party politics and all Senators need to consider the growing community concerns and vote YES to pass this legislation," Mr Templeman said. “This taxation reform is necessary as alcopops are deliberately designed to appeal to younger palates, and we have already seen attempts by the alcohol industry to circumvent the taxation levy. It would be a major setback it the actions of a few result in the Bills not being passed." Mr Templeman said research had clearly demonstrated that young and at-risk drinkers were responsive to price signals. "The taxation reform raises the price of these harmful products, and should be supported by all sections of the community, particularly Senators when they debate the issue this week, and vote on it by next Thursday (19 March)," Mr Templeman said. Mr Templeman stressed that this includes the management of responsible drinking, reform of product branding and advertising, licensing and trading hours reform, and alcohol awareness projects for communities. |
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