Purpose and Objectives

To create a better understanding by Parliamentarians and the community of the causes, nature, and extent of the problem of alcohol abuse.

To better inform Members of Parliament and the community through a forum bringing together a range of alcohol experts, public health experts, law enforcement representatives, industry representatives, and community representatives who reflect the spectrum of views on alcohol.

To examine existing approaches to the problems arising from alcohol abuse and to consider new ideas and new options in a bipartisan forum.

To consider evidence regarding those strategies that work and those that do not, and in particular, to consider:

• the effectiveness of existing NSW laws, policies, programs and services
• the cost to the community of alcohol related harm
• the impact on human services and their effectiveness in responding to problems and needs
• the effectiveness of current resource allocations in targeting the problem of alcohol abuse
• the role of Commonwealth Government agencies, programs and strategies.

To implement specific strategies to ensure the views of young people, Aboriginal people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities are fully represented at the summit.

To identify ways to improve existing strategies, programs and services.

To build political and community consensus about future directions in policy which target alcohol abuse and deals with its impact.

To recommend a future course of action so that the best and most cost effective strategies, policies and programs, both long and short term, are available to address and impact on the problem of alcohol abuse.

The Summit is expected to provide a communiqué outlining an agreed framework and set of directions for the Government to consider.

Government response and action

The Government will respond to the agreed communiqué, and the work of the Summit and the recommendations of the various Working Groups and Panels with an action plan.

Long term outcomes of the Summit

Over the next 10 years it is intended that the communiqué and consequent Government action plan would help to achieve a downward trend in:

• irresponsible drinking behaviour and the abuse of alcohol in the community
• incidents  of alcohol related violence, especially street violence and domestic violence
• disease, injury and disability associated with alcohol abuse, and the burden associated with such disease and disability
• the numbers of people who need treatment for alcohol problems
• alcohol related crime
• incarceration and detention rates arising from or related to alcohol abuse
• harms experienced by young people, families and the community
• the harm caused by alcohol abuse in Aboriginal communities
• alcohol related road/pedestrian deaths and injuries

An upward trend in:

• Research activities concerning alcohol
• Evidence based evaluations of alcohol programs and initiatives
• The diversity, frequency and scope of alcohol abuse prevention initiatives
• The accessibility of alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs
• The proportion of people who need treatment actually receiving treatment for alcohol abuse problems, and the effectiveness of that treatment
• The number of young offenders, especially young Aboriginal offenders being diverted from the criminal justice system as a result of alcohol related crime.

As well as:

• Better targeting, allocation and resourcing of successful programs targeting alcohol abuse by both the Commonwealth and State Governments, especially on a collaborative basis
• Better outcomes from funded programs both in the Government sector and the non Government sector
• Better appreciation and understanding of the causes, effects and means of addressing alcohol abuse by the community and industry
• An upward trend in attitudes that support responsible drinking behaviour.