Page 4564 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 20 November 1991
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Amongst the older students, binge drinkers would usually have five or more drinks whenever they drank. All members of the Assembly must realise that something must be done to counter this level of alcohol abuse. In September the Assembly voted to begin an inquiry into the sale and distribution of liquor in the ACT. Let me stress that the Government has not rejected the Assembly's motion to conduct an inquiry.
I am happy to announce the initiatives that we have taken in this area. Now is the time for action, and that is why the Government has moved. We moved as soon as we got the information from an inquiry, which, incidentally, was set up by the former Government. The moment the information came to hand, we acted quickly. No dillydallying and grandstanding from this Government; we get on with the job.
The Australian Labor Party is committed to a system of health care that emphasises prevention as well as primary care. This Labor Government believes that taxpayers' money should be spent in the interests of Canberrans. I must say that the interests of Canberrans do not seem to be paramount in the minds of members of the Liberal Party. The Federal Liberal Party has suggested a massive rip-off of money that would flow to the ACT.
As Minister for Health, I am introducing four initiatives aimed specifically at underage drinking. An integrated campaign, incorporating media and supporting community projects directed at underage and binge drinking, will be developed through the Health Promotion Fund. This campaign will complement the current national drug offensive media campaign aimed at young people and alcohol by focusing on identifiable Canberra-based images. This will help to reinforce the view that underage and binge drinking is a serious problem in the ACT. What we are on about is action - something that could never have been expected under the former Government.
Mr Stefaniak: There does not seem to be much action here.
MR BERRY: We get on with the job; no grandstanding here, Mr Stefaniak. The campaign will also aim to raise awareness amongst older youth of the National Health and Medical Research Council's recommendations on maximum safe drinking levels - four drinks a day for men and two for women - and the need for alcohol-free days. The Alcohol and Drug Service will develop the campaign in consultation with Health Advancement Services, the Department of Education, the Australian Federal Police and the youth and non-government sectors. Again, this is a sign of action.
A series of brief intervention kits will be launched through the Alcohol and Drug Service 24-hour crisis and information line. Six different kits will be available in the near future, including a kit specifically aimed at young people. General information on the effects of alcohol and other drugs will be provided, including
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