Browse through this section of our site to keep up to date with our latest news and media coverage. If you’re not already receiving our E News Bulletin, you can subscribe here.
We regularly publish material with accurate and current information about alcohol. You can find this information in our media releases and reports below, as well as our:
12 June 2013
Alcohol misuse costs SA $2.6 billion a year
Govt proposals would only increase alcohol harms
A government alcohol inquiry has been reminded of the State’s heavy alcohol toll and told that deaths, hospitalisations and the financial cost to the community would all rise as a direct result of Government plans to increase the availability of alcohol in the State.
With alcohol misuse already costing South Australians $2.6 billion, and resulting in 283 deaths and 6,756 hospitalisations per year, the inquiry has been told the South Australian Government must more effectively regulate the price, availability and promotion of alcohol.
In its submission to the SA Parliament Social Development Committee Inquiry into the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) again called on the Government to abandon draft legislation to sell wine in supermarkets.
FARE Chief Executive, Michael Thorn says the South Australian Government efforts to increase the availability of alcohol in the State through its determined push to promote small bars and sell wine in supermarkets, will see alcohol harms rise further.
“First and foremost, this Government has the responsibility to protect the public health and safety of the community. We know that the level of harms from alcohol misuse relates directly to the price, availability and promotion of alcohol, and Government needs to step up and show the community that it is prepared to effectively regulate in these areas,” Mr Thorn said.
FARE also recommended that the Government legislate for licenced venues to cease trading at 3am (for venues currently trading beyond that time), and called for strengthening of liquor promotion guidelines to ensure off-licence and on-licence premises are regulated with equal weight.
FARE is also highly critical of the Government’s failure to use its existing powers to regulate the promotion of alcohol, following a decision in February by the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC).
ABAC, the alcohol industry’s own regulatory body determined that the Bachus Shot Bucket should be withdrawn from sale due to the product’s evident appeal to young people.
Michael Thorn, says that despite a request from FARE that the SA Government investigate the complaint, and use its powers to remove the product, the Bachus Shot buckets remains on retailer’s shelves in South Australia.
“Here’s an example of a product that should not be on store shelves. Even the alcohol industry’s own regulator says it should be withdrawn from sale because it was a dangerous product that appealed to young people. The South Australian Government already has the regulatory and enforcement powers to have this product removed from sale, yet simply refuses to act,” Mr Thorn said.
Michael Thorn is available for interview.
Media Contact: Jeremy Henderson 0425 559 710
4 June 2013
FASD harms remain hidden: Parliamentary inquiry ignored
The Federal Government has been accused of ignoring the devastating harms caused by fetal alcohol exposure by failing to respond to an all-party Inquiry report tabled in Parliament six months ago.
The report, FASD: The Hidden Harm, Inquiry into the prevention, diagnosis and management of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, prescribed a strict timetable for action, but those deadlines have either passed or are unlikely to be met.
6 May 2013
Red tape review rejected, Government plan dangerous and ill-considered
The nation’s leading alcohol research and education body has registered strong opposition to legislation that would destroy measures currently in place to protect the people of Queensland from alcohol harms.
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) says the bill should be rejected outright because the proposed changes take Queensland alcohol control backwards, muzzles the general public, and only serves to undermine public health and safety.
1 May 2013
Put alcohol tax reforms back on table to plug revenue hole
The Gillard Government has been urged to increase alcohol taxes in this year’s budget in order to reduce increasing alcohol-related harms and help offset the rising cost of health care.
Australia’s leading alcohol research and education body, says simple alcohol tax reform measures would deliver $1.5 billion each year to a Government facing ‘urgent and grave‘ budget decisions, and can no longer be ignored.
Download the FARE 2013-2014 Pre-Budget submission
Download the media release
18 April 2013
FARE Annual Alcohol Poll: Attitudes and Behaviours
Now in its fourth year, the nation-wide poll takes an in-depth look at Australians’ attitudes towards alcohol, their drinking behaviours, and their perspectives on key alcohol policies.
Download the media release 1
Download the media release 2
Downloed the media release 3
3 April 2013
Greater justice for people with FASD
A study of the Western Australian justice system has identified that up to 85 per cent of staff say responding to the needs of people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an issue in their work.
The report by the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research recommends greater awareness, better training and education and alternate sentencing options that consider the neurocognitive impairments associated with FASD.
Download the media release
Download the report
28 March 2013
Out-dated WA Liquor Act failing to protect against harms
Australia’s leading alcohol research and education body says Western Australia’s antiquated Liquor Control Act is failing to prevent alcohol-related harms.
Download the media release
Download the submission
14 March 2013
NSW Alcohol Summit – a wakeup call for government
The NSW and ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA) says the New South Wales Government can no longer ignore rising alcohol harms and heightened community concerns and must immediately introduce effective alcohol policy reforms.
Download the media release
Download the communique
Download the report
14 March 2013
Past lessons flagged ahead of alcohol summit
A report issued ahead of today’s NSW Alcohol Summit has highlighted the complete failure of the 2003 NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse, and contains important lessons for the current State Government struggling to stem rising levels of alcohol-fuelled violence.
Download the media release
Download the report
12 March 2013
Zero BAC limit for drivers under 25
A proposal to introduce a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for all drivers under 25 years is one of 28 recommendations to a Government Inquiry currently examining strategies to reduce alcohol abuse among young people in New South Wales (NSW).
Download the media release
Download the submission
11 March 2013
SA supermarket wine bill ill-conceived and dangerous
The South Australian Government’s proposal to sell wine in supermarkets has been labelled irresponsible and ill-conceived by Australia’s leading alcohol and research organisation.
Download the media release
Download the submission
15 February 2013
Time to move on Liquor Act review
The recently formed NSW & ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA) has raised concerns over the NSW Government’s failure to commence a five‐year statutory review of the Liquor Act 2007.
14 February 2013
NSW Government washes hands of alcohol education – directs child neglect cases offshore
Australia’s leading alcohol research and education body has accused the New South Wales Government of washing its hands of alcohol education by placing responsibility in the hands of the alcohol industry and the UK Government.
13 December 2012
Alcohol harms to hit NSW hard this summer
Alcohol-related harms will again hit New South Wales hard this summer with new statistics pointing to more than 300 alcohol-related deaths, and more than 12,000 hospitalisations attributable to alcohol over the next three months.
7 December 2012
Act now on warning labels
Australia and New Zealand Food and Health Ministers responsible for introducing government regulated alcohol pregnancy warning labels have been urged to take action ahead of its meeting in Brisbane today.
29 November 2012
FASD inquiry findings endorsed: now for swift action
Australia’s leading alcohol research and education body has welcomed the report; FASD: The hidden harm, Inquiry into the prevention, diagnosis and management of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders tabled in Parliament today and called on the Government to move quickly to adopt its recommendations.
22 November 2012
Rural communities combat alcohol harms
A multi-million dollar research project involving 20 towns throughout NSW has shown that coordinated community action does reduce excessive alcohol consumption and harms. Comprising 13 evidence-based, community-led interventions over a period of five years, and $2.4 million in funding from FARE, the ambitious project is the largest and most rigorous evaluation of a community action approach to reduce risky alcohol consumption and related harms, ever undertaken anywhere in the world.
20 November 2012
FASD carers carry heavy life-time burden
In an Australian first, researchers have reached out to families and carers affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) to identify gaps in existing services. The research found that FASD carers are often stigmatised, find it hard to obtain a diagnosis and to access appropriate health services.
20 November 2012
High-tech solutions to screen drinkers
A low-cost, convenient and anonymous method of asking Australians about their alcohol use has been successfully developed and trialled in New South Wales. Developed by researchers from the University of Newcastle, the electronic screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) program has overcome many of the existing barriers to traditional brief interventions.
20 November 2012
Young Victorians hit hard by the drinking of others
Almost 85 per cent of young Victorians (aged 16-24) have experienced harms from another’s drinking. New research which examines the impact of perceptions on the reporting of harms, has also found young people are more likely to experience harms from people who are drunk rather than on drugs.
2 November 2012
Aussie seniors urged to consider personal alcohol consumption
New research exploring the links between the way older Australians socialise and consume alcohol has found that most drink five or more days per week, regardless of residential status or gender.
09 November 2012
Conference funding boosts AOD sector
Nine organisations and 11 individuals from across Australia are the successful recipients of a national conference funding program designed to strengthen the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector in Australia.
31 October 2012
NSW Alcohol inquiry : current law fails to protect youth
A leading national public health organisation has called on the New South Wales Government to strengthen secondary supply laws to better protect young people from alcohol harms.
30 October 2012
Counting the benefits of alcohol tax reform
Alcohol taxation reform will generate substantial net benefits for the whole Australian community with an overwhelming majority of adults being better off according to the first systematic benefit cost analysis of alcohol taxation reform.
17 October 2012
Wine glut ends – time for tax reform
The final barrier to the introduction of wine tax reform has been exposed as a fiction with an independent analysis of the country’s wine oversupply finding the wine glut is coming to an end.
13 October 2012
Collie launches the Alcohol Get Real project
The Shire of Collie will today unveil an initiative aimed at reducing the harmful level of alcohol use in the community and increase the local community’s awareness of the harmful effects of risky drinking.
12 October 2012
FASD support answers call with mobile friendly website
A Queensland based Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) support group has extended its support of families and carers of children with FASD, showcasing the latest information on parenting and teaching strategies, employment programs, and mental and physical health information on its new mobile friendly website.
12 October 2012
Manjimup alcohol management project gets real
The Shire of Manjimup will today launch their alcohol management project to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol throughout the shire.
20 September 2012
Local health professional awarded national scholarship
Orange resident, Michele Campbell has been awarded the prestigious Ian Webster Scholarship in recognition of her long term commitment to the Alcohol and other Drug (AoD) sector.
19 September 2012
Alcohol summit highlights industry failure
A national alcohol summit has shown how young people are regularly exposed to alcohol marketing and highlighted industry’s inability to self-regulate.
12 September 2012
Nation’s Experts Endorse FASD Action Plan
The country’s leading Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) experts have endorsed a proposed national plan to reduce the incidence of the most common preventable cause of developmental disability in Australia.
06 September 2012
New study : What do Aussies drink ?
A new study sheds light on what Australians drink, how much we consume and how often. While beer remains the drink of choice for men and bottled wine for women and older drinkers, home brew and cask wine drinkers are drinking more than most.
30 August 2012
NSW has thirst for alcohol reforms
Polling released today has shown that the New South Wales community is united in its desire for action to tackle alcohol-related problems.
29 August 2012
Cheap booze – most affordable in 30 years
A study of the Australian alcohol industry has shown that alcohol is more affordable today than it was in 1980, prompting calls for swift government action to address the availability of dirt cheap alcohol.
25 August 2012
Alcohol plan pitched to NSW Premier
Australia’s leading alcohol research and education body has presented NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell with a comprehensive 10 point plan to reduce alcohol related harms in NSW.
2 August 2012
Campaign to demand real warnings on alcohol products
Australia’s leading alcohol research and education body has launched a campaign calling on the community to demand real warnings on alcohol products, following the publication of an independent audit which has shown the alcohol industry isn’t serious about labelling.
2 August 2012
No message on the bottle – industry fails to adopt own labels
An independent audit of the alcohol industry’s DrinkWise warning labels has found that a full year after the voluntary initiative was launched, fewer than one in six (16%) alcohol products carry the consumer information messages.
20 July 2012
Safer partying strategies for Marion teens
While the South Australian Government wrestles with the issue of underage drinking, the City of Marion has launched a program that aims to assist young people make safer decisions about alcohol use.
17 July 2012
Alcohol reform the key to addressing violence
Australia’s leading alcohol research and education body has repeated its calls for alcohol reform, on the eve of a community forum to discuss street violence in Sydney.
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) has warned that calls for improved public transport and greater CCTV surveillance fail to address the issue that alcohol, and not the individuals consuming it, is at the heart of the problem.
10 July 2012
FASD campaign for Kimberley and Pilbara as Commonwealth enquiry arrives in WA
A new media campaign aims to tackle the high prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the Kimberley and Pilbara region by harnessing a call to action from women, to women.
23 June 2012
Smart Government move takes alcohol sponsorship out of the game
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has applauded today’s Commonwealth Government sponsorship announcement that will see a number of Australia’s major sporting codes cut their sponsorship ties with the alcohol industry.
Announced in Melbourne by Federal Sports Minister, Kate Lundy, the Government will provide a sponsorship package totalling $25 million over two years to 12 national sports organisations, including Football Federation Australia, Basketball Australia, Netball Australia and Swimming Australia.
22 June 2012
Salvos turn to tech to combat youth alcohol harms in the lower Hume
Video game consoles, smart phones and goggles incorporating special lens technology are just a few of the interactive tools being embraced by The Salvation Army (TSA) in a new project aimed at increasing the knowledge and awareness of alcohol and related harms among the youth of the Lower Hume region of Victoria.
The project; a collaboration between TSA, Victoria Police and AlcoCups, will also skill up professionals who work with young people, giving them an understanding of the importance of alcohol education, the ability to identify the physical and mental symptoms of alcohol misuse, and strategies and techniques as well as the latest resources to confidently deliver information about alcohol.
18 June 2012
HSM on the hill pollies unite: embrace sobriety and blogging
The Libs and the Greens have joined a ‘coalition of the sober’; signing up for a break from alcohol, and agreeing to blog about their journey. Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Healthcare, Dr Andrew Southcott and Greens Health Spokesperson, Senator Richard Di Natale announced their participation in Hello Sunday Morning (HSM) at the launch of a report today in Canberra, which found that the innovative online initiative is successfully helping people change their behaviour and improve their health.
7 June 2012
Aboriginal health professionals get valuable tool in fight against substance misuse
For the first time in Australia, Aboriginal health professionals will have access to a plain English, up-to-date and evidence-based handbook to help them in their work to tackle alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems.
The Handbook for Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Work will be officially launched today at the second National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Conference (NIDAC 2012) in Fremantle, Western Australia.
1 June 2012
Government loses way on pregnancy health warning labels on alcohol
Inaction, confusion and a general lack of direction from the Commonwealth Government has led to doubt about its commitment to introduce mandated pregnancy health warning labels on all alcohol products by December 2013.
Six months after the Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation (FoFR) made its recommendations on pregnancy warning labels, Commonwealth Government representatives are still unable to provide any firm details about the introduction of the 2013 mandatory scheme.
30 May 2012
Tasmanian FASD training program eyes possible national roll out
A pilot training program for the child and family services sector aimed at building worker capacity to support those who care for children living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) could have national applications.
The project, being developed by the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Related Disorders
(NOFASARD) aims to fill a gap in the training curricula for child and family service workers.
24 May 2012
Lies exposed as industry fronts FASD inquiry
A detailed analysis of the alcohol industry’s submissions to a Parliamentary Inquiry has exposed a raft of false, misleading and unfounded claims.
The damning finding comes as alcohol industry representatives meet in Canberra today to present to the House of Representatives Inquiry into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), and calls into doubt the veracity of the industry claims.
21 May 2012
Voters in agreement on alcohol attitudes
We may be a nation divided at the ballot box, but when it comes to our attitudes about alcohol, a recent poll has shown that regardless of voting intentions, a majority of Australians perceive alcohol as a problem in Australia.
Released today in Canberra by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) the nation-wide polling shows that a majority of Labor, Coalition and Greens voters support policies such as health warning labels and restrictions on alcohol advertising that would reduce alcohol-related harms.
18 May 2012
New scholarship to develop AOD sector’s future leaders
A new scholarship aimed at building leadership and management capacity in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, pays tribute to one of the sector’s leading lights, Emeritus Professor Ian Webster.
The Ian Webster Scholarship recognises Professor Webster’s contributions to the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) over the last 10 years, as well as the exceptional leadership he continues to demonstrate in his work throughout the not-for-profit sector, and in his various advisory roles to government.
16 May 2012
Youth alcohol program gives back to Coonamble
A new program aims to provide Coonamble youth with the tools to effectively tackle their own problems with alcohol while at the same time giving back to the Shire. The Coonamble Shire Yarn-Up Youth Program allows high school aged youth to develop alcohol-related resources that reinforce what they learn in Yarn-Up sessions that can be later shared with the broader community.
10 May 2012
Treasury FOI docs expose WFA’s fudged WET submission
The Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) has been caught out providing unsubstantiated claims about the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET). Obtained under an FOI request, the documents have also revealed that New Zealand wine makers are rorting the WET and costing Australian tax payers millions.
30 April 2012
Simple alcohol tax to reduce harms and raise 1.5B for health
Four leading health groups have appealed directly to the Prime Minister to simplify Australia’s alcohol tax system; a move that would reduce the harms of alcohol misuse and raise $1.5 billion each year to fund public health programs.
17 April 2012
Australian alcohol poll – no end in sight to nation’s woes
A majority of Australians (79%) see no end in sight to the country’s alcohol-related problems and believe the issue will get worse, or at best, remain the same over the next five to ten years.
This year’s Annual Alcohol Poll also found that Australians are extremely critical of the alcohol industry and unimpressed by the industry’s efforts to reduce alcohol-related harms.
30 March 2012
Drink Tank – a real conversation starter
Australia now has a new online forum for debating and discussing issues about alcohol and the use and misuse of alcoholic products in contemporary Australian society.
Welcome to Drink Tank, Australia’s conversation space about alcohol.
An initiative of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), Drink Tank aims to generate meaningful commentary and debate about alcohol policy, and to provide a platform for all members of the community to share their views and concerns.
22 March 2012
QLD judiciary ill prepared to handle FASD cases
Whether as victims or offenders, people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are highly likely to come into contact with Australia’s criminal justice system, however a study of the Queensland judiciary has highlighted a complete absence of formal FASD training and education.
19 March 2012
Innovative community grants tackle alcohol harms at local level
A training program for the child protection sector aimed at better supporting those who care for individuals living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), and a reality TV documentary that will follow 12 indigenous teenagers from the Western suburbs of Sydney on a road trip to Uluru, are just two of the 17 successful projects to receive funding today from the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE).
19 March 2012
FARE Mixed Bowls champs withstand searing heat and morning sickness to secure title
Husband and wife team Trentan and Janet Healey are still beaming following their win last month in the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education Mixed Bowls Challenge at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
16 March 2012
FARE Welcomes new alcohol advertising watch dog
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) has applauded today’s launch of the Alcohol Advertising Review Board, a new independent body established to police alcohol advertising in Australia.
6 March 2012
Media Release – Leading health experts ignite debate on Australias forgotten alcohol guidelines
A group of Australia’s leading public health organisations have called for the Commonwealth Government to fund a comprehensive public education campaign to promote Australia’s official Alcohol Guidelines to better protect young people and pregnant women.
The call follows a forum held in Melbourne today which examined the role of the Guidelines in reducing risky alcohol consumption in Australia. Held to coincide with the third anniversary of the release of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol, the forum was attended by researchers, public health officials and government representatives.
Download the communiqué
Presentations
6 March 2012
Three years on – alcohol guidelines invisible and unknown
Australia’s Alcohol Guidelines turn three today but there’s little reason to celebrate. New research by the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR) shows that 95 per cent of people are unable to correctly identify safe drinking levels.
The research has been released ahead of a meeting of health experts in Melbourne today which will explore the role of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol.
22 February 2012
FOI request reveals government ignored its own research on pregnancy warning labels
Two reports released by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) that demonstrate the effectiveness of alcohol health warning labels, have raised questions as to why the Commonwealth Government chose to ignore the findings of its own commissioned research.
14 February 2012
Pregnant women not hearing or heeding safe drinking guidelines
A leading researcher has urged the Commonwealth Government to do more to promote safe drinking guidelines following new research that shows one in five Australian women continue drinking once they know they are pregnant.
18 January 2012
Call for a national plan to combat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
FARE has today called for a comprehensive Commonwealth-led National Action Plan to tackle Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) – the most common preventable cause of birth defects in Australia.
15 December 2011
Australia’s first youth Indigenous drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility leads the way for future treatment services
Today, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) celebrates the opening of Bunjilwarra, the first Australian drug and alcohol rehabilitation service solely dedicated to helping young Aboriginal people.
9 December 2011
Health experts welcome first step towards appropriate alcohol labelling
The Australian and New Zealand Ministerial Council on Food Regulation today acknowledged the need to regulate warning labels on alcohol products.
At the meeting in Melbourne to consider a response to the recommendations of the Blewett Review, a decision was made to introduce “appropriate labelling” about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, which will be regulated in two years’ time.
9 December 2011
Health and community leaders call for action on alcohol and pregnancy health warnings
63 leading health and community professionals, including two former Australians of the year, have urged effective action to warn women about the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, in an open letter to members of the Australian and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council.
The Council meets today in Melbourne to consider its response to the Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy – the Blewett Review – which recommended that a ‘suitably worded warning message about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy’ be mandated on alcoholic beverages.
2 December 2011
Research shows that young women want a safer night out
As Australian and New Zealand police gear up for Operation Unite, an initiative to raise awareness about alcohol related violence, new research shows that young women drinking in public venues are worried about potential hostility, aggression, physical and sexual violence from intoxicated strangers.
30 November 2011
Research shows industry regulated alcohol labels won’t work
Market research has overwhelmingly rejected the alcohol health warning labels recently launched by the Australian alcohol industry in favour of informative, clear and specific labels produced by FARE.
14 November 2011
New research highlights harms from mixing alcohol and energy drinks
New research on the consumption of alcohol and energy drinks has led to FARE calling for urgent action to prevent further harms from their consumption.
13 November 2011
New research about high risk behavior during schoolies
New research into the intentions of Australia’s youth during Schoolies Week has provided insights into the factors that contribute to young people drinking excessively and engaging in reckless activities and sex.
9 November 2011
National bodies join in call for action on alcohol warning labels
A number of influential national bodies have joined in the call for government action on the labelling of alcohol following the release of research which showed widespread public support for the measure.
9 November 2011
Call for action on alcohol warning labels to prevent alcohol use during pregnancy
Today FARE released Galaxy Research showing majority support for alcohol warning labels, with particularly high support for warnings about alcohol use during pregnancy.
Download supporting media release from The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)
Download supporting media release from The National Alliance for Action on Alcohol (NAAA)
19 October 2011
Foundation announces new initiatives to change the way we drink
Last night at its 10th anniversary reception at Old Parliament House, Canberra, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education launched the Professor Ian Webster Scholarship to recognise his outstanding achievements over many years.
29 September 2011
Submission: Australian Government’s Tax Forum
The Foundation has provided a submission to the Australian Government’s Tax Forum. The submission outlines the case for immediate alcohol taxation reform and suggests that the first step must be changing the wine equalisation tax to a volumetric tax.
28 September 2011
Report launch: “The Australian wine tax regime: Assessing industry claims”
An Australia Institute report to be launched today has torn up the myths and mistruths perpetuated by the Winemakers Federation of Australia (WFA) that wine tax reform would result in a fall in production by 34 per cent and the loss of up to 12,000 Australian jobs.
The report concludes that the WFA has grossly exaggerated its claims on the impact of tax reform on the Australian wine industry in the event of a switch to a volumetric tax for wine.
6 September 2011
Foundation calls for urgent reform on the Wine Equalisation Tax
The report “Alcohol Taxation Reform: Starting with the Wine Equalisation Tax”, produced by leading economic consultants the Allen Consulting Group, and commissioned by the Foundation, concluded that the current tax structure contributes to the Australian wine glut by rewarding producers of cheap, poor-quality wines and propping up inefficient producers.
Launched at Parliament House this morning, the report concluded that:
5 September 2011
Submission: Alcohol-related Labelling Logic recommendations
The Foundation provided a submission to the government consultation process on specific aspects of the Labelling Logic report on food labelling. Within the submission the Foundation called for health warning labels to be applied to all alcohol products sold in Australia.
The submission outlines a labelling regime that includes at least 5 specific warning labels, rotated across all products, with one label focusing on the harms of consuming alcohol while pregnant. The Foundation specified that this regime needs to be government regulated and accompanied by a multi-faceted public education campaign.
16 August 2011
Foundation launches model alcohol health warning labels
The Foundation together with leading health experts are urging the Federal Government to make the new alcohol health warning labels mandatory to help reduce the harms caused by alcohol.
Launched at Parliament House this morning, the requirements of the proposed health warning label regime for alcohol products include:
Download supporting media release from the Australian Medical Association
Download supporting media release from the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia
Download supporting media release from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
Download supporting media release from the National Alliance for Action on Alcohol
Download supporting media release from the Alcohol Policy Coalition
Download the policy position paper
Download photos of sample alcohol products with the labels
20 June 2011
Health sector to tackle Australia’s hidden disability – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Chief Executive Michael Thorn today announced the Foundation’s investment of over $500,000 into seven projects across Australia to address gaps in FASD research and practice.
Download an overview of the projects
2 June 2011
Submission: Application A1026: Minimum alcohol content for wine
The Foundation and the Public Health Association of Australia wrote a response to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand request for submissions regarding Application A1026: Minimum Alcohol Content for Wine.
