Page 23 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 1990
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There is no universally safe level of drinking. Most alcohol related problems occur in persons who would be regarded by most Australians as social drinkers, so it is not sufficient to direct all efforts at reducing alcohol related problems to those whose drinking is habitually irresponsible. Indeed, no single initiative is likely to effect the significant improvement that is needed.
Accordingly, the national health policy on alcohol covers a range of policy matters, including policies for education, pricing, taxation, availability, advertising, marketing, legal policies, the role of the non-government sector, research and treatment. Public education about responsible attitudes to alcohol use is essential if the present levels of harm are to be reduced. The home environment and the family must also play an important role in the adoption of responsible attitudes and behaviour of the young. To this end the provision of alcohol education programs at all levels of the education system will be maintained and reinforced.
Already my Departments of Health and Education have a reputation for excellence and innovation in this regard with two major projects being adopted nationally - the drug abuse prevention in primary schools project and the stories presented by the Skylark Puppet and Mask Theatre.
We must also encourage the availability of alcohol-free events, particularly for young people. The recent cool cocktails promotion of alcohol-free cocktails is an excellent example of this kind of activity and one which has already stimulated national interest. But the Government will not rest on its laurels. For example, I have also decided to sponsor the 1990 Rock Eisteddfod in the ACT through the health promotion fund in conjunction with the Quit for Life campaign. The Rock Eisteddfod is a competition for the development of school based bands covering several States and the ACT. Although strongly emphasising an anti-smoking theme to the young people participating, the entertainment events themselves are also promoted as alcohol-free events.
A key message for young people from such events is that you do not need alcohol to have fun. The Government is also committed to examining the needs for specialised treatment services for young people. The Burdekin inquiry recommended the establishment of such centres, and I have already approved a grant to examine such needs in the youth sector.
There is also much that should be done to promote the responsible use of alcohol through the media. This can be achieved through specific mass media campaigns designed to encourage responsible consumption of alcohol. We must also look at our local content in the media and examine the impact of role models in popular programs including both television and radio.
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