Moore says alcohol inquiry must cover more than violence

An activist has called for a comprehensive approach to alcohol policies following a motion for a Senate inquiry into a national strategy for alcohol-related violence.

Senator Glenn Lazarus called for the inquiry after discussing his personal experience with alcohol-fuelled violence. He said his son had been glassed from behind while clubbing late last year.

Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Michael Moore said while the inquiry is a step in the right direction, the government needs to focus on more than alcohol-fuelled violence. “The price, availability and advertising of alcohol also needs to be addressed in the inquiry to improve public health,” Moore said.

Moore is also co-chair of the National Alliance for Action on Alcohol. He said booze-related violence is only one factor of the damage alcohol can cause.

“There is a massive amount of pressure being put on the emergency departments and on our public hospitals," he explained. “The Australasian College of Emergency Medicine survey released last week found 15 per cent of patients in the emergency department were there due to alcohol-related incidents.

“[Also] promoting alcohol at sporting events is a conflicting message to be sending the public, especially younger people. All these aspects need to be included in a national Senate inquiry so nothing is missed once new alcohol policies start being implemented.”

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