Drinks industry to be consulted on National Alcohol Strategy

Health Minister Greg Hunt has called for the drinks industry to be part of the Alcohol Reference Group to develop of a new ­National Alcohol Strategy (NAS).

His decision goes against a National Alcohol Strategy 2018-2026 recommedation, which noted: "The alcohol manufacturing industry, wider retail and hospitality industries, advertising, broadcasting and sporting industries play a significant role in Australia’s economy and social fabric. These industries also have a responsibility in supporting and taking appropriate action to prevent and minimise alcohol-related harms through the lawful, responsible supply of alcohol and their ability to influence drinking behaviours.

"While acknowledging the relevance and responsibility of the alcohol industry and associated industries to contribute to the prevention and minimisation of alcohol-related harms, it is also acknowledged that they will not be eligible for membership of the Reference Group."

In February, the Winemakers Federation of Australia (WFA) expressed disappointment that the drinks industry would not be consulted on NAS.

“Australian winemakers work hard to create an environment, particularly at their cellar doors, where people can enjoy their wines responsibly," WFA chief executive, Tony Battaglene, said. "Winemakers want to be part of the solution to combat risky drinking, but we can only do that if we are considered full stakeholders in national strategies.” 

Hunt has since written his state counterparts calling for a forum with “selected stakeholders” to work “collaboratively and collectively on solutions to any residual issues”, with those stakeholders to include alcohol industry representatives.

“I reiterate the importance of making sure that we get the content, balance and direction of the strategy right and that the process identified will give us a better chance of achieving this,” Hunt said.

Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education chief executive Michael Thorn told The Australian he was “extremely disappointed” that the drinks industry would be part of the proposed Alcohol Reference Group. “There can be no seat at the table for an alcohol industry hell bent on selling ever more ­alcohol. The conflict of interest is clear,” Thorn said.

The draft 2018-26 strategy calls for a minimum floor price for alcohol and volumetric taxation based on a beverage’s ­alcohol content. It also recommends further restrictions on advertising, a ban on “bulk-buys, two-for-one offers, shop-a-dockets and other promotions based on price”, and “opportunities for residents to ­declare their private premises ­alcohol-free”.

The Australian Brewers ­Association chief executive Brett Heffernan said the strategy was “intellectually dishonest” and “bereft of scientific rigour”. 

“Many of its policy prescriptions are based on questionable, discredited or cherrypicked research,” he noted. “Meanwhile, scant acknowledgment is given to official government data demonstrating consistent improvements in Australia’s drinking culture over the last 40-plus years.”