RUDD GOES SOFT ON BINGE DRINKING

Family First - Media Release

October 2008

FAMILY First has a plan to tackle binge drinking but the Rudd government is too soft on the big alcohol industry and won't take tough action to cut back alcohol ads.

New research that 8.4 million Australians want less alcohol advertising backs up Family First's plan to address Australia's binge drinking culture, Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.

"When 8.4 million Australians say there's too much alcohol advertising it's time for the government to act," Senator Fielding said.
"For more than a year Family First has been calling on the Federal government to get serious about tackling Australia's binge drinking culture by restricting alcohol advertising until after 9pm.

"Now is the time to do it, now is the time to stop the scourge of binge drinking that is rife in our communities.

"That means no alcohol advertising during sporting programs during the day on weekends and public holidays, which exposes kids to these ads.

"Family First's draft laws tackles the problems of binge drinking through health warning labels, cutting back TV advertising of alcohol products, taking control of alcohol advertising away from the alcohol industry and educating people about the dangers of excessive, binge drinking.

"If the government wanted to help curb Australia's binge drinking problem to protect future generations it would implement this legislation.

"Australia has a binge drinking problem with a huge social cost of $15.3 billion per year. Australia needs to tackle its binge drinking problem by creating a culture of responsible drinking."

The research by the Salvation Army also found that more than 4.3 million Australians say alcohol has had a negative impact on them or their family.

For media enquiries phone 0409 550 446

www.stevefielding.com.au