Fed: Alcopops tax break a "sad day": health groups
18 Mar 2009 10:25 PM
CANBERRA, March 18 AAP - Public health groups say it is a "sad day" for Australia that the tax hike on alcopops has been voted down.
The federal government must do more to promote a safe drinking culture, groups say.
"This is a very sad day for the health of many Australians," said Alcohol Policy Coalition member Michael Livingston.
Geoff Munro from the Australian Drug Foundation said those who voted down the tax, namely the Liberals, Nationals and Family First Senator Steve Fielding, had failed young Australians.
"The Senators who voted against the tax have voted for cheap alcopops, the favourite drink of under-aged drinkers," Mr Munro said.
Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said it was a pity the changes to the alcopops bill, including an extra $50 million on health education, had been lost amid the Senate "shenanigans".
The Greens would negotiate for the best outcome when the bill returned to the Senate, as she thought it would.
The Distilled Spirits Industry Council praised Senator Fielding for his opposition to the tax hike.
"Senator Fielding demonstrated a sensible, practical approach to alcohol policy-making in this country by voting down a measure that was flawed from the outset," said council information manager Stephen Riden.
The council called for all parties to work together on ways to tackle binge drinking.
