4 May 2005

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Progressive Bill to raise drinking age to go before Parliament

Progressive MP Matt Robson's proposed law change, which among other things seeks to raise the minimum alcohol purchasing age back to twenty years of age, will proceed to Parliament for its consideration.

"My Bill, which proposes to strengthen provisions relating to the supply of liquor to minors and to strengthen liquor advertising law, outlines some practical steps that we as a society can take to seriously address the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol, particularly by our most vulnerable young," Matt Robson said.

"As parents and citizens, I believe a majority of the Members of Parliament feel as dismayed as I am about the challenge posed by youth binge drinking and the effects of alcohol abuse among too many of our vulnerable young. It is time for Parliament to heed the public health evidence."

"The time for taking action to turn the tide against alcohol abuse has come. My Bill, now drawn from the ballot, will allow MPs from all parties to help turn the tide against our society's youth alcohol problems and I am urging all eight parties in Parliament to allow the appropriate select committee to thoroughly and objectively assess the evidence," said Matt Robson.

The Progressive MP said he had deliberately drafted his proposed law change in moderate language and with modest but practical objectives.

"In truth, had I written this Bill purely to satisfy Progressive Party policy I would have worded it much more strongly. I have drafted it, however, with more modest, practical objectives in the knowledge that members from other parties can therefore buy into working together for positive change," Matt Robson said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media