Three Years To Break Link Between Ads And Sport

Family First - Media Release

March 18, 2009

Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding has offered the Rudd government until 2012 to shut down the loophole allowing alcohol ads to be shown during sporting events in family viewing time.

“I’m offering the Rudd Government a lifeline, a way to break this stalemate in the Senate on the alcopops tax,” Senator Fielding said.

“Family First has already won concessions from the government on warning labels and an advertising campaign.

“Now the Rudd Government must have the courage to stand up to the alcohol giants and break this link between alcohol and sport.

“It targets young and vulnerable Australians by making it seem cool to drink. We have a huge alcohol problem in this country, it affects families across the board and the government has an opportunity now to make a difference.

“I urge it to take this opportunity and to know that it has really made a difference in creating a culture that prevents, rather than promotes, binge drinking.

“We only have to watch the news or read the paper to see that alcohol and sport are inextricably linked, just as smoking and sport was years ago.

“I told Health Minister Nicola Roxon yesterday and I told Treasurer Wayne Swan today that they must take this action. More than 70% of Australians want it.

“The government should not dig in on this. It’s a choice between protecting vulnerable people or protecting the corporate giants of the alcohol industry.

I am offering three years to bring this in as a measure of good faith. The government knows this makes sense. I strongly urge the government to support my offer.”

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