NEWS Figures and facts, people and policy, corporate and community AMA NATIONAL ALCOHOL SUMMIT A two-day National Alcohol Summit, held by the Australian Medical Association, convened at the National Convention Centre in Canberra this week. The summit met to discuss hard-hitting topics surrounding alcohol and its social implications, calling to action a national response. AMA President, Associate Professor Brian Owler, said a National Summit on alcohol was long overdue. “More than half of Australian drinkers consume alcohol in excess of the recommended intake”, said Owler. “The health, social, and economic burden caused by alcohol in Australia is substantial and unacceptable.” On addressing these issues, Owler said that conversation and increased focus by the government is what is necessary, as well as increased legislation. “What we want, what Australia needs, is action”, Owler continued. “Governments need to shape individual and societal attitudes around alcohol...There is an urgent need to tackle this problem with more robust and vigorous policy, and regulation to supplement parental oversight and responsibility.” Additionally Owler suggested that alcohol marketing promotion should be statutory and independent of the alcohol and advertising industries. Moreover Owler said that alcohol marketing promotion should carry meaningful sanctions for non-compliance, while the use of sport in alcohol advertising needs to end.” A live stream of the summit can be viewed at: https:// ama.com.au/alcoholsummit LSA NSW CALLS FOR A REVIEW OF GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION This week the Liquor Stores Association (LSA) NSW presented The Panel, bringing together NSW Police, OLGR and ILGA representatives, with representatives for over 1,000 packaged liquor licenses. Discussions surrounded the NSW Liquor Act 2007 review, as well as the new risk-based liquor licence fee scheme, among a number of other impediment issues for retailers. President of LSA NSW CFO David Reberger, began the panel addressing the fact that the new legislation has come at a time when the market has never been more difficult. “Increased legislation and competition comes when we are seeing the lowest levels of alcohol consumption since the 1990s. “Retailers are frustrated and struggling to make ends meet. Blaming one part of the industry won’t help to achieve the outcomes the community wants.” On the recent decision by the Government to shift the packaged liquor relative rating from low to moderate, LSA NSW Executive Director Michael Waters said: “The research behind the decision...is outdated and potentially inaccurate...One piece was even from New York City.” “Who’s checking the research? Because it seems as though decisions are being made from this kind of far reaching evidence at best.” Reberger continued: “There is no evidence to show how the fees have helped to reduce alcohol related violence. And we do not believe that 10pm closes have helped with behavioural issues. LSA NSW believes these should be repealed. A continued combined effort from all sectors of the industry is what is needed.” As a result of Wednesday’s panel, LSA NSW has asked for further discussions with OLGR, ILGA and NSW Police, and is hoping areas of the new legislation will be repealed.
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