Fed: Distillers praise, but health groups dismay over alcopops
18 Mar 2009 10:32 PM
The Distilled Spirits Industry Council has praised Family First Senator STEVE FIELDING for his opposition to the government's attempt to raise the tax on alcopops.
The Senator .. supported by the Coalitions sank the legislation in the Senate today.
But public health groups are dismayed about the outcome .. saying it's a sad day for Australia.
Alcohol Policy Coalition member MICHAEL LIVINGSTON is concerned about the health of many Australians .. and GEOFF MUNRO from the Australian Drug Foundation says those who voted down the tax have failed young Australians.
Greens Senator RACHEL SIEWERT says it's a pity the changes to the alcopops bill .. including an extra 50 million dollars on health education .. have been lost amid the Senate shenanighans.
But she says she believes the bill will return to the Senate .. and if it does the Greens will negotiate for the best outcome.
