Alcohol Toll Reduction Inquiry:
ADCA says it's a great start but more needs to be done

The Chief Executive Officer for the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), David Templeman has this morning provided an opening statement to the Senate Inquiry into the Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill 2007 calling for more to be done to address alcohol misuse in Australia.

 Mr Templeman, who appeared at the first session of hearings in Melbourne, said ADCA was supportive of the Government's approach to the issue, but that much more support was needed.

 "ADCA welcomes the Federal Government's interest and support for alcohol misuse, including the recent announcement to double the tax on ready-to-drink (RTD's) alcoholic beverages as well as the $53million provided to address binge drinking. This is 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.

 ADCA believes the $2billion 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 said.

ADCA' submission to the Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill can be found at http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/alcohol_reduction/submissions/sublist.htm