14/09/26 - Report on the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation welcomes the parliamentary report on the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia, saying it marks a significant milestone in helping to address contemporary and longstanding issues associated with alcohol and other drug use.
"This report by the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability, presents a comprehensive and balanced approach to preventing and reducing alcohol and other drug harms,” said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s CEO, Dr Erin Lalor AM.
"The report, which highlights the importance of a cooperative approach for all Australian governments to addressing alcohol and other drug issues, will be invaluable to the Government in developing the next National Drug Strategy and planning the future of the Commonwealth’s Drug and Alcohol Program,” Dr Lalor explained.
The Foundation is pleased with key recommendations in the report, particularly those focussed on prevention and early intervention, improving access to evidence-based alcohol and other drug information, addressing ultra cheap alcohol, and common-sense approaches to the promotion and accessibility of alcohol.
“This report highlights the significant harms associated with alcohol and other drug use, including long term chronic health conditions, relationship breakdowns and violence against women and children. These issues not only impact individuals and families but can impact whole of communities, over generations,” Dr Lalor said.
“Given the widespread harms associated with alcohol and other drug use, it’s critical that the Government helps to improve early and equitable access to quality, evidence-based information about alcohol and other drugs, including online information, help and support.
“Sadly, many people can’t always access a health professional when they need it most or are uncomfortable discussing their alcohol or other drug use with others. That’s why it’s crucial for the Government to invest in digital models of care.
“We know that trusted online tools, like the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s AI-powered information chatbot, dib, are really important in getting people the right information at the right time.
“dib gives free, anonymous, non-judgemental and trustworthy information about alcohol and other drugs, that’s pulled exclusively pulled from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website. It gives people quality information about alcohol and other drugs, including where to find help and support, and how to reduce harms,” Dr Lalor explained.
The Foundation strongly welcomes the Committee’s recommendation that the Australian Government work with State and Territory governments to develop and implement national standards around the online sale and delivery of alcohol. This includes considering restrictions on the hours alcohol can be delivered, and a safety pause between purchase and delivery.
“Alcohol is more accessible than ever, especially now that it can be delivered rapidly into homes by just clicking a button. Concerningly though, regulation hasn’t kept up,” said Dr Lalor.
“The rapid delivery of alcohol means more drinking in homes and extended drinking sessions, increasing the risk of alcohol-related harms such as domestic and family violence. It’s crucial that our governments introduce regulations that are guided by harm minimisation and respond to the serious and widespread harms related to alcohol,” Dr Lalor added.
The Foundation is pleased to see the recommendation around a new mandatory alcohol advertising and marketing regulatory framework, which would help to reduce exposure to children and those at greatest risk of harms.
“Alcohol advertising plays a powerful role in shaping our drinking behaviours and related harms, including influencing children and young people’s perceptions and attitudes towards alcohol. That’s why it’s so important to reduce children and young people’s exposure to alcohol advertising,” Dr Lalor explained.
While no specific recommendations were made on drug law reform, the report will be crucial for the government in developing the next National Drug Strategy. The report notes that there is considerable room to improve coordination between law enforcement, justice, and alcohol and other drug health services to reduce harms arising from criminalisation.
“Health-based approaches to drug use benefit the whole community as they can help to reduce stigma, prompt more people to reach out for help and support, and reduce drug-related harms,” Dr Lalor said.
Dr Lalor concluded by thanking the Committee Chair Dr Mike Freelander, Deputy Chair Dr Monique Ryan and Committee members for the work across two parliaments and the detailed consideration of issues concerning the health of so many Australians.
“With strategic leadership and sustained investment, we can prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug related harms, empower communities, and support all Australians to live healthier, safer lives,” Dr Lalor said.
If people are worried about their own, or a relative or friend’s alcohol or other drug use, there is lots of help and support available.
People can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. They can also visit the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s website (www.adf.org.au) and follow the links to Path2Help, an online portal that uses a simple set of questions to identify information and support services, based on each person’s specific needs and circumstances.
ENDS
Media contact: Carmel Gadd (0430 948 380)