MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

— Wellington, Friday, 13 August 2010

Time for the Government to stand up and take responsibility for alcohol law reform.

The Salvation Army is appealing to the Government to step up and take leadership of alcohol law reform for the sake of the country.

At a major rally on alcohol law reform in South Auckland this weekend, Salvation Army Social Policy Director Major Campbell Roberts will call on the Government to act decisively and respond to the substantial groundswell of public opinion demanding change. New Zealanders are calling for real reform and a more substantial response than just tinkering with our alcohol laws, he says.

The Government has already dismissed out of hand raising the tax on alcohol, which the World Health Organisation has identified as the single-most effective policy for reducing the damage caused by the misuse of alcohol, Major Roberts says.

It has also hedged its bets politically in deciding not to cut the blood alcohol limit except for young drivers and repeat drink-drivers.

One News’ recent Colmar-Brunton poll, showing that almost two thirds of New Zealanders support a reduction in the blood alcohol limit would indicate the Government is incorrectly reading the mood of the nation, Major Roberts says.

“If politicians dither over difficult decisions, New Zealanders will continue to be maimed or die, families will suffer and the country will continue to bleed billions of dollars to pay the criminal, health and welfare costs associated with the abuse of alcohol,” Major Roberts says. “I’m sure that no MP in their hearts truly wants this to continue.”

Law Commission President Sir Geoffrey Palmer has been clear that the commission’s recommendations to reduce the harm caused by alcohol are designed as a package and has warned against “cherry picking” recommendations.

“But so far, all we have seen is the Government taking the politically-easy options and shelving the most effective ones,” Major Roberts says.

The Government needs to be very wary of the powerful and well-funded alcohol industry lobby, which seeks to maintain the status quo, if it is to make decisions that will improve the wellbeing and safety of New Zealanders.

It is clear that our local communities want their voices to be heard on this issue, says Major Roberts. Under the New Zealand Drug Foundation and Alcohol Healthwatch initiative, It’s Our Turn to Shout, The Salvation Army has helped organise a community alcohol law reform rally in Manukau, South Auckland on August 15. If there are no concrete signals of real reform soon, other rallies will be organised across the country.

The Salvation Army’s views on alcohol law reform come from our work with the fractured and tormented families it works with – those who directly pay the horrific costs of alcohol abuse and dependency.

“Our addiction treatment programmes are seeing record demand and growing waiting lists for treatment,” says Major Roberts. “Our Hamilton Bridge Programme alone has a waiting list for treatment stretching until the end of this year.”

The Manukau community alcohol law reform rally will start with marchers setting off at 1pm, August 15 from Manurewa Town Centre, the Manukau Sports Bowl and Puhinui Park to Manukau Square where the rally will be held.

The Salvation Army is seeking:
a return of the drinking age to 20
advertising and marketing of alcoholic products to be severely restricted
alcohol tax to rise by 25 per cent
the blood alcohol level to be lowered
an increase in Government-funded treatment places for alcohol addiction treatment.

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