[Greens-Media] Greens achieve win on alcopops health promotion fund

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Greens achieve win on alcopops health promotion fund
Thursday 13th August 2009

The Australian Greens today welcomed the passing of the alcopops
legislation through the Senate, which included $50m of health promotion
measures negotiated by the Greens.

"The Greens have always focused on getting more action to tackle problem
drinking in the community, and we have seen that the alcopops tax has
had a positive impact," said Australian Greens health spokesperson
Senator Rachel Siewert.

"We negotiated this $50m health promotion strategy because the Greens
have always argued that a price increase is only one measure in the
comprehensive approach that is needed to address this problem."

"This is a win for the community and a win for the Greens. These
measures will go to helping alleviate the impacts of harmful drinking in
this country."

The agreement includes:
* A $25m Health Sponsorship Fund to provide sponsorship to local
community organisation who provide sporting and cultural activities, as
an alternative to other forms of sponsorship
* Mandatory warning labels on alcohol advertising
* Community level initiatives designed to tackle binge drinking
* Enhancing telephone counselling services and alcohol referrals
* Expansion of existing social marketing campaigns 

"After a long and protracted debate, it is good to see an outcome that
will result in positive movement aimed at tackling binge drinking in
this country."

"This is a very positive step forward, and the Greens will continue to
work for further health promotion measures to address this problem," she
concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180