This section provides information about alcohol and other drug policy and related debates.

ALCOHOL

National Preventative Health Strategy

On 1 September 2009, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon, launched the National Preventative Health Strategy, Australia: The Healthiest Country by 2020. The Strategy recommends a range of interventions aimed at reducing the chronic disease burden associated with three lifestyle risk factors – obesity, tobacco and alcohol.

National Preventative Health Strategy, Australia: The Healthiest Country by 2020

On 11 May 2010, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, released Taking Preventative Action, the Government’s response to the report of the National Preventative Health Taskforce.

Taking Preventative Action

The Australian Drug Foundation provided a response to the report in collaboration with the Alcohol Policy Coalition [link to the media release]

New Zealand Law Commission review of the regulatory framework for the sale and supply of liquor

On 27 April 2010, the New Zealand Law Commission released Alcohol In Our Lives: Curbing the Harm its final report on the review of New Zealand’s liquor laws. The terms of reference for the review required the Commission to consider a broad range of issues including: the adequacy of the current liquor licensing laws; alcohol taxation and pricing; advertising; age restrictions and the responsibilities of parents with respect to adolescent drinking. The report contains 153 recommendations to Government.

Report - Alcohol In Our Lives: Curbing the Harm

Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council have agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of food labelling law and policy. The review is headed up by the former Australian Health Minister, Dr Neal Blewett AC.

Food Labelling Law and Policy

The Australian Drug Foundation has contributed to the public consultation through the Alcohol Policy Coalition. A copy of the Coalition’s submission is at Food Labelling Law and Policy - Submissions

ILLICIT DRUGS

Consultation on National Drug Strategy 2010 - 2015

In late 2009, the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy sought input from expert stakeholders and the broader community on Australia's National Drug Strategy 2004–2009 to set the direction for the next phase of the strategy. A draft of the National Drug Strategy 2010-2015 will be released for further consultation in the first half of 2010.

National Drug Strategy

The Australian Drug Foundation provided a submission to the consultation process.