A. PARTNERSHIP APPROACHES TO ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION
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Preventing alcohol abuse: a whole community approach
2.1 Alcohol abuse prevention should involve the whole community working in partnership with Government. This approach needs to include all sectors of government and non-government agencies. Strategies should be tailored for specific communities, be evidence based, and planning should include a sustainable framework through continuous evaluation and funding. |
Government Response
Since the 1999 Drug Summit, the NSW Government has worked in partnership with the community and non-government agencies to address illicit drug issues. This approach will be continued in the coming years as the Government tackles the problem of alcohol abuse and implements local solutions.
The NSW Government will promote partnerships in the community, with other governments, the liquor industry, local community networks, the non-government sector and the media (Recs. 1.1, 1.5 and 1.6). Key Government advisory and representative groups will also be asked to provide advice on strategies to assist with preventing alcohol abuse. This will include the Premier’s Council for Women, Youth Advisory Council and the Social Justice Reference Group.
Partnerships will be strengthened with culturally diverse communities through the Community Relations Commission’s Regional Advisory Councils and Symposiums, and with Aboriginal communities through peak organisations such as the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council (AJAC) and Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC).
Key partnership approaches will be expanded with the NSW Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies (NADA), Aboriginal Community Working Parties, Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC) and the Youth Action Policy Association (YAPA), the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation (AERF), and key research bodies.
The Expert Advisory Group on Drugs, a meeting of experts and community representatives, has been renamed the Expert Advisory Group on Drugs and Alcohol, and given broader terms of reference to cover alcohol abuse.
An evidence base following the key principles which apply to the Drug Summit programs will also be applied (Recs. 1.14, 2.2 and 2.4).
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Alcohol harm reduction programs: reporting and evaluation
2.2 All Government departments and community funded projects should develop criteria against which they report each year, on approaches to alcohol abuse prevention.
2.4 A condition of any significant grant allocation should be a requirement for rigorous evaluation. |
Government Response
Key reporting criteria to measure the results of alcohol abuse prevention policies, programs, and services as well as those that are run by funded non-government organisations will be developed, and circulated to all agencies in 2005.
The development of these criteria will be informed by the principles set out in the World Health Organisation’s International Guide for Monitoring Alcohol Consumption and Related Harm (WHO, 2000), the National Alcohol Indicators Project established by the National Drug Research Institute, and the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set. The criteria will also be informed by the NSW Health Drug and Alcohol Performance Indicator Reporting (DAPIR) system for evaluating projects which commenced in January 2001.
It is envisaged that reporting against these criteria will be a condition of funding for all Government and non-government alcohol harm reduction programs.
The Cabinet Office published A Brief Guide to Evaluation for NSW Drug Summit Programs in March 2001. The guidelines will be updated to encompass alcohol harm reduction programs.
See also Recommendations 4.8, 6.26.6 and 6.27.
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B. SHARING RESEARCH AND DATA COLLECTION
See also Recommendations 4.8 and 5.18.
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Collection and sharing of research and data on alcohol
2.3 A comprehensive system should be established for sharing research and data across Australia and overseas on the prevention of alcohol abuse and harm. Partnerships should be established between data-collection agencies and local communities.
2.6 Better information systems should be available to licensing authorities and police.
2.7 The Government should coordinate the collection of data from relevant agencies and local communities. It should establish a website which enables sharing of data and research related to prevention of harmful use of alcohol. |
Government Response
National alcohol research and data collection
At the request of New South Wales, the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (MCDS) referred this issue to the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD) for consideration. It is anticipated that the IGCD will recommend development of a project plan for a national organisation to undertake national reporting and a clearing house function on alcohol research and data. This will be further considered at the May 2004 meeting of the MCDS.
New South Wales alcohol harm reduction data collection and coordination
Many agencies collect alcohol harm related data including NSW Health, NSW Police, the Department of Corrective Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Community Services, and the Department of Gaming and Racing.
The Government will commission a project to identify a minimum data set of cross- Government data on alcohol related harm which could provide an annual snapshot report on alcohol harm and trends.
A new whole-of-government alcohol harm reduction website will be developed in 2004. It will contain a specific link titled ‘Research and Data’, where the latest research and data relating to alcohol in New South Wales will be published.
Information systems for licensing authorities and police
Improved information systems concerning alcohol related harm for police and licensing authorities in New South Wales will be developed by an Alcohol Related Crime Intelligence Working Party to be convened by the Director-General, Ministry for Police (Recs. 8.69-8.75).
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Wholesale alcohol sales data
2.5 The collection of wholesale alcohol sales data should be recommenced by the liquor licensing authority and made available to appropriate community groups and agencies. |
Government Response
Liquor sales data was previously collected as part of the state and territory liquor licence fee assessment process when this was based on the volume of liquor sold. Liquor licence fees based on volume were abolished in 1997 as a result of a High Court decision. Subsequently all alcohol taxes, around $3 billion per year, have been collected by the Commonwealth. New South Wales has not collected any tax on alcohol since 1997.
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory ceased collecting data because it was no longer a part of the licensing system. Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have continued to collect the data from wholesale distributors.
The Government considers that the collection of wholesale alcohol sales data needs to be on a national basis with uniform data sets and standardised reporting requirements applying across Australia so that the industry has a consistent data set and one collection agency. A national collection system would be able to provide licensing authorities, health agencies and police with reports on local, regional, state and territory drinking levels by beverage and outlet type.
The collection of this data was considered by the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (MCDS) on 21 November 2003. The MCDS agreed to develop a national project for the collection of this data and a working group of senior officers, including a New South Wales representative, has been convened to consider the issue.
The Government will continue to work with other jurisdictions to encourage the Australian Government to collect and publish a consistent uniform national data set of wholesale alcohol sales data, funded from alcohol tax revenue that the Commonwealth receives. The Government recognises that a national approach should involve industry consultation and may also require legislation or regulations by jurisdictions to facilitate a national collection system.
See also Recommendation 10.14.
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C. REGULATING THE AVAILABILITY OF ALCOHOL
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Regulation of the supply of alcohol as a harm reduction measure
2.8 Control of the economic and physical availability of alcohol can be effective in preventing alcohol misuse and harms in specific situations. Further consideration of these measures in New South Wales should be undertaken to ensure that existing research, investigation and strategies are optimised and additional effective strategies are not overlooked. |
Government Response
The policy and legislation governing the regulation of the supply of alcohol in New South Wales is outlined in the preamble to Section 10. The new policy directions in regulating the supply of alcohol have been significantly influenced by the demands of the Commonwealth Government and the National Competition Council.
The particular concerns of Aboriginal communities regarding the impact of alcohol harm on their communities will be considered as part of the Department of Gaming and Racing’s discussion paper on the supply and control of alcohol in Aboriginal communities which will be released in 2005 (Recs. 8.41 and 10.6).
In addition, the Government will ask the NSW Liquor Industry Consultative Council to review the NSW liquor industry’s Code of Practice for Responsible Promotion of Liquor Products to make sure that it deals with issues raised at the Summit. The Council will be asked to report back in 2005.
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Taxation on alcohol: proposal for a national inquiry
2.9 There should be a national public inquiry into alcohol taxation that should consider the health, economic, social and community costs and benefits of current and proposed alcohol excise and taxation measures (eg. greater price incentives for low alcohol products). |
Government Response
Alcohol tax is collected by the Commonwealth Government. It has been estimated that the Australian Government revenue associated with alcohol is around $3 billion per year.
New South Wales has not collected any tax on alcohol since a High Court decision in 1997 which led to the abolition of state liquor licence fees based on volume of liquor sold.
The Government referred the Summit’s recommendation on alcohol taxation to the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (MCDS) for consideration. At its 21 November 2003 meeting, the MCDS agreed to refer this issue to the Federal Treasurer for his consideration and response. The MCDS also asked that as part of the Treasurer’s consideration, account should be taken of the social issues related to consumption.
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Liquor industry funding harm minimisation programs
2.10 The liquor industry should be required to set aside a percentage of its advertising budget for harm minimisation programs. |
Government Response
The NSW Government will ask the Liquor Industry Consultative Council (LICC) to consider how liquor industry funded harm minimisation programs could be enhanced and strengthened through an industry wide partnership of Australian alcohol producers and retailers, involving the wine, spirits and beer sectors. Overseas examples include the Portman Group in the United Kingdom and the Amsterdam Group in Europe.
The Government believes a similar Australian group could focus on and fund coordinated education and information initiatives to promote consistent and more effective harm minimisation messages.
Australian examples of sector funded organisations that support harm minimisation programs:
§ The Winemakers' Federation of Australia and the National Wine Centre established the National Wine Foundation which commissions or funds projects to address social problems which can lead to alcohol abuse. It gives priority funding to projects that address social issues in remote communities.
§ The Australian Associated Brewers, through the Australian Brewers’ Foundation, funds medical research and the development of education materials, such as Rethinking Drinking – You’re in control, a school based education kit for 14 to 16 year olds.
Overseas examples of industry wide funded harm minimisation programs:
§ In the United Kingdom, the Portman Group was set up and funded by leading drinks producers to tackle social problems associated with alcohol misuse - http://egportman-group.org.uk/
§ The Amsterdam Group is an alliance of Europe’s leading alcohol producers who work to address social problems related to alcohol misuse - http://www.amsterdamgroup.org/
§ The Century Council is funded by America's leading distillers and focuses on alcohol and driving and underage drinking. An Advisory Board of business, government, education, medicine, and other relevant disciplines assists the Council in developing ideas – www.centurycouncil.org
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Breath ignition interlock devices trial
2.11 A trial should be undertaken of the use of breath ignition interlock devices for persons convicted of a drink driving offence. |
Government Response
Recommendations 5.10 and 5.11 address this recommendation.
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D. PROMOTING SAFER DRINKING ENVIRONMENTS
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Preventing harms in drinking environments
2.12 It should be recognised that alcohol is consumed in a variety of environments, such as licensed premises, sporting venues, special events and the home. Effective prevention of harms from excessive alcohol consumption will encompass a range of strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each of these environments. These strategies should:
§ promote the safe use of alcohol through local community agreements
§ involve the stricter enforcement of laws regarding the responsible service of alcohol
§ continue and expand responsible service of alcohol training to include all staff, paid or volunteer, working in licensed premises, venues, special events, sports clubs or any other location in which alcohol is sold
§ review and promote current reporting measures available to communities to be able to report breaches of RSA (include modified training to community members on RSA and breaches)
§ encourage better management of public events in relation to alcohol
§ promote awareness of the potential harms of underage drinking
§ promote awareness of host responsibilities in relation to alcohol including normalising peoples’ choices not to consume alcohol
§ clarify the role of police in supervising private parties. |
Government Response
Community agreements
The Government supports and will encourage broader community consultation and participation in local liquor accords. Around 100 accords are already in place across the State, involving licensed venues, local authorities and other interested stakeholders in a local area, including Community Drug Action Teams (Recs. 8.24-8.32).
Enforcement of responsible service of alcohol laws
See response to Recommendations 8.6, 8.76, and 10.9.
Responsible service of alcohol training
Responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training is mandatory for all licensed venue operators and permanent liquor serving staff. Courses approved by the Liquor Administration Board can be undertaken through TAFE, industry associations and private colleges.
Key new initiatives include:
§ Broadening of RSA training requirements during 2004/2005 to require all casual staff (including volunteers) and security officers in licensed venues to undergo training (Recs. 7.10, 7,13 and 8.36.).
§ Revision of the RSA course for the liquor industry is being considered and there will be an evaluation of the effectiveness of the new training standards (Recs. 7.10 and 7.13).
§ Guidelines for BYO venues will be published to provide guidance for restaurants, cafes and other venues which are not licensed, but which allow people to bring and drink alcohol with their meals (Recs. 7.10 and 7.13).
§ Consultation has begun with the liquor industry on developing a model for refresher RSA training to maintain industry standards. This will be supported by new laws which will be introduced during 2004 requiring persons who undertake RSA training to complete a refresher course which updates their training every five years.
New procedures for reporting RSA breaches
Recommendation 10.10 details initiatives which will assist communities to report breaches of responsible service of alcohol obligations.
Management of alcohol at public events
Measures to promote responsible service of alcohol in sporting clubs and events are outlined in response to Recommendation 1.9.
The Government’s Office of Protocol and Special Events will work with other agencies to consider safe drinking practices at major events. Government funding requirements under the International Sporting Events Program (ISEP) will include the development of appropriate alcohol management policies and practices to encourage safe drinking practices, including glass management strategies.
Other agencies such as NSW Police, local councils and the Department of Gaming and Racing are already promoting alcohol management strategies at public events.
Education on the potential harms of underage drinking
Key youth targeted initiatives to inform young people, provide information through school based programs, deliver messages through public campaigns, and involve peers in education, are outlined in Recommendation 1.11.
Key initiatives to informing parents and assist them in reducing the harms caused by underage drinking are outlined in Recommendation 1.10. These include new alcohol information resources for parents, research on ways to improve support for parents/carers in managing alcohol abuse within the family, and a new information and education program on alcohol abuse for families and carers in Aboriginal communities.
Other initiatives to prevent the secondary supply of alcohol to minors are outlined at Recommendations 8.11, 8.12 and 8.15.
Policing and safe parties: managing alcohol in the home
Key initiatives to assist private celebrations to be organised and held safely include:
§ Safer celebrations - a planning guide for event managers in NSW, an online guide covering legal/safety requirements for planning events where alcohol will be provided.
§ NSW Health resources to educate parents, young people and the community on secondary supply of alcohol to young people, as well as their responsibility in hosting safe events and celebrations.
§ The NSW Police Safe Party education campaign, including Safe Party Pack, to help parents prepare for parties with alcohol in the home.
See also Recommendations 8.14, and 8.23.2 for more detailed information.
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E. ACCESS TO SERVICES
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Prevention strategies which are linked to other services
2.13 Prevention strategies should encompass a holistic approach that takes into account different target populations’ access to services, including employment, transport, alternative recreational activities and health care. This should be accomplished by:
§ integrating existing and new services into established community networks and infrastructure
§ assisting non drug and alcohol related services to better deal with clients with issues related to alcohol misuse and harm
§ developing and providing cultural programs for young Aboriginal people utilising community facilities in local Aboriginal communities. These programs should be developed, operated and controlled by appropriate and respected local Aboriginal people.
2.14 Consideration needs to be given to particular needs of individuals and groups who meet barriers in accessing mainstream services. These groups may include: homeless people, Indigenous peoples, people with dual diagnosis and young people without family support. This can be achieved through:
§ facilitating access by increasing the mobility and flexibility of service delivery
§ reviewing the range of outreach services provided by government and non-government agencies to identify service gaps. |
Government Response
Integrating alcohol harm reduction strategies into community networks
Community networks, such as Community Drug Action Teams, and established infrastructure will be utilised in the development and delivery of these strategies (Rec. 1.5).
During the development and implementation of liquor accords, community consultation with established networks will be outlined as part of best practice models (Recs. 8.25-8.29).
Police and community networks will be enhanced to improve strategy delivery, for example in relation to safe party information and management (Rec. 8.14).
Young people’s access to personal development and recreational opportunities will be promoted through the development of Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) strategies to improve police and youth relations (Rec. 8.21).
Providing assistance for non-government services in dealing with clients with alcohol abuse issues
Over the next four years, non-government drug and alcohol related services will be assisted to better deal with clients with issues related to alcohol misuse and harm. This will be done through training and workforce development, and improvements to interagency approaches, case management and linkages between Government and the non-government and private sector providers (Rec. 3.12, Part B of Section 3 - in particular, Recs. 3.3, 3.5 and 3.17, and Recs. 7.8 and 7.9.).
Providing culturally relevant prevention programs for Aboriginal people in local communities
The Government will continue to work with Aboriginal communities to develop and provide culturally appropriate programs for young Aboriginal people. Community facilities in local Aboriginal communities will be utilised and the programs will be developed with local Aboriginal people’s input.
The Government will address the needs of Aboriginal communities through locally based and determined approaches, engaging and supporting community leaders and communities. Examples of initiatives that will impact on young Aboriginal people, include the expansion of Aboriginal Community Drug Action Teams, trialling Aboriginal liquor accord models, Aboriginal specific responsible drinking campaigns, Indigenous adaptations of the Family Matters booklet, and workshops for Indigenous and non-Indigenous health service workers, and Indigenous communities (Rec. 1.12).
Other culturally relevant prevention programs that will affect young Aboriginal people are outlined at the following recommendations:
§ a new NSW Health information and education program for families and carers (Rec. 1.10)
§ an Aboriginal Youth Leadership project (Rec. 1.11)
§ Indigenous community based alcohol abuse prevention strategies (Rec. 2.16)
§ supply and control of alcohol in Aboriginal communities (Recs. 8.4.1 and 10.6)
§ youth friendly health services for young Aboriginal people (Recs. 3.21, 4.12 and 4.17)
§ an Aboriginal Liaison Officer Program (Rec. 4.14)
§ a NSW Health Aboriginal Safety Promotion Strategy (Rec. 5.2)
§ an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Substance Abuse Plan (Recs. 3.20 and 6.20)
§ an integrated service delivery model for communities in Western New South Wales to assist people affected by alcohol misuse and domestic violence (Rec. 6.23)
§ a Regional Aboriginal Employment Coordination project in the North Coast (Rec. 8.57).
Facilitating access by increasing the mobility and flexibility of services
Section 4 outlines information on a range of services that will provide options for people in need and make access more convenient and flexible. Access will also be improved by the provision of flexible services targeted at specific needs groups:
§ improved access to treatment services through such things as telephone based services (Rec. 4.2)
§ a review of the current distribution of services to ensure that there is equity of access in proportion to the needs of the population (Rec. 4.4)
§ NSW Health service planning will provide access to a variety of services (Rec. 4.10)
§ access for people with comorbidity/dual diagnosis (Recs. 4.15 and 4.16)
§ services accessible to women (Recs. 4.20 and 4.21)
§ services for the specific needs of young people (Rec. 4.28).
Reviewing outreach services
NSW Health will review the range of outreach services provided by Government and non-government agencies as part of its evaluation to inform the development of the NSW Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Development Plan 2006-2015 (Recs. 3.6 and 4.4).
Current services include the Coffs Harbour Outreach Youth Health Service and Youth Health Outreach Team (Gosford), which are funded by NSW Health, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, and the inner city of Sydney’s Homelessness Action Team Support and Outreach Service.
See also Recommendations 1.5, 4.12 and 4.13.
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F. PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS
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Prevention strategies for specific groups
2.15 Prevention strategies should be tailored to the specific needs of men, women, young people, rural and remote communities, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, and Indigenous peoples and the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
Effective prevention strategies should be research based, culturally appropriate, developed and implemented in consultation with members of these identified groups, and tailored to meet local needs. |
Government Response
Targeted prevention strategies and programs for specific groups and communities are outlined in other recommendations including the following:
§ men: Rec. 8.67
§ women: Recs. 3.19, 4.12, 4.20, 4.21, 8.77 and 10.3
§ young people: Recs. 1.11, 2.18, 6.10-6.14, 6.26.5, 8.21 and 8.56
§ culturally and linguistically diverse groups: Recs. 2.21, 4.12, 7.11 and 7.12
§ Indigenous people: Recs. 1.12, 2.16, 3.8, 3.18-3.20, 4.12, 6.19, 6.20, 8.46, 8.47, 8.54, 9.27 and 9.28
§ gay, lesbian and transgender communities: Recs. 4.13 and 6.25.
All strategies and programs are intended to be evidenced based and evaluated (Recs. 2.2 and 2.4).
Prevention strategies in rural and remote communities
Key prevention strategies over the next four years will include:
§ expansion of the role of the 50 Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) in rural and regional areas to deal with alcohol abuse and prevent alcohol related harm (Rec. 1.5)
§ expansion of liquor accords (Recs. 8.24-8.32)
§ Community Solutions and Crime Prevention Strategy initiatives in rural and regional New South Wales (Recs. 8.42, 8.48, 8.50 and 8.64)
§ programs for young people living in remote areas, such as the Indent program (Rec. 8.48)
§ enhancement of family support services in remote towns (Rec. 8.49)
§ information on alcohol abuse and alcohol harm through the expansion of the Di@YLL (Drug Information At Your Local Library) project (Rec. 1.5)
§ implementation of the Aboriginal Substance Abuse in NSW Police Western Region report (Rec. 8.44)
§ services to assist people affected by alcohol misuse and domestic violence in rural New South Wales (Rec. 6.23)
§ involvement of the Regional Communities Consultative Council (RCCC) in rural alcohol abuse initiatives, such as the Country Road Safety Summit and liquor accords (Rec. 5.5 and Part D of Section 8)
§ support for a new Remote Alcohol Resource Unit in the Far West (Rec. 2.16).
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Prevention strategies for Aboriginal communities
2.16 Alcohol abuse prevention strategies in Indigenous communities should be community based and community-owned. These strategies may be achieved by:
§ developing and using local leadership and Indigenous workers at all stages of programs
§ implementing programs which build capacity within local communities to work on their own solutions
§ targeting resources for communities to conduct their own alcohol summits in partnership with Local Governments
§ ensuring the accessibility and appropriateness of mainstream services to the community through consultation with local Indigenous groups
§ researching local Indigenous issues to inform the direction and suitability of local strategies
§ ensuring a sustainable framework which reflects the impact of alcohol on Indigenous communities through skill building and workforce development, continuous evaluation and funding
§ recognising that these are complex problems that do not have simple solutions
§ proactively target recruitment strategies to increase the number of female Aboriginal community liaison officers and the number of female and male Aboriginal police officers in NSW Police
§ establishing specialist alcohol resource units to support community based action. |
Government Response
Expanding the role of local Indigenous leaders
The NSW Government is committed to working with local Aboriginal leaders to develop local solutions to community problems. The expertise of Aboriginal people, particularly Elders, will guide the Government’s policy and response to the complexity of problems related to alcohol misuse at both a local and state-wide level. Key initiatives include:
§ the leadership skills of Elders and community leaders will be supported to assist them to develop action plans and manage alcohol abuse in their communities (Rec. 1.12)
§ Aboriginal Youth Leadership project (Rec. 1.11)
§ Elders and other community experts will be involved in the delivery of a culturally appropriate training program for communities and frontline workers (Recs. 3.15-3.17).
Aboriginal community capacity building to enable locally determined solutions
This is being promoted by:
§ an expansion of Indigenous Community Drug Action Teams (Rec. 1.5)
§ establishment of liquor accords in areas with significant Aboriginal populations (Recs. 8.29 and 8.43)
§ developing proposals for rural substance abuse prevention trials tailored to the needs of local communities with significant Aboriginal populations and addressing alcohol, inhalant and illicit drug issues (Rec. 8.42).
Local Aboriginal alcohol summits to tackle local issues
During 2004, the Government will hold a follow-up to the Talking About Grog forum which was held prior to the Alcohol Summit. This will provide Aboriginal leaders and Elders with the opportunity to discuss programs and their roll-out in their communities.
One of four regional youth forums that will be held in 2004, as part of a Youth Forum Program, will focus on Aboriginal young people. It will include a component on alcohol and safety (Rec. 1.11).
Promoting culturally appropriate mainstream services
The NSW Government will work to ensure that mainstream services are accessible and appropriate for local Indigenous communities.
It will deliver training programs to improve the skill and cultural competence of the mainstream workforce to improve staff awareness of the needs of Aboriginal families and communities, ensure that the management and provision of care for Aboriginal people is effective and that some of the access issues facing Aboriginal people entering mainstream services are reduced (Recs. 3.15-3.17, 7.3-7.7, 7.32, 7.35-7.37 and 7.39. These also respond to Recs. 7.26-7.28).
Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers and Aboriginal police
There are 56 Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers (ACLOs) employed in New South Wales. An independent review into the ACLO program will identify the most appropriate locations for ACLO placement including an assessment of the gender balance of ACLOs in relation to community need.
The NSW Police Aboriginal Employment Strategy has been revised and strengthened as the Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2003-2005 to identify further employment and career development options for Aboriginal people (Recs. 8.46 and 8.47).
Establishing Specialist Alcohol Resource Units to support community action
A proposal for a Remote Alcohol Resource Unit sponsored by the Broken Hill Department of Rural Health, University of Sydney in the Far West and servicing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Murdi Paaki region, is currently being considered by the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation. Under the proposal, the unit would develop collaborative community approaches to alcohol problems and a Regional Reference Group, including local government agencies, would guide its work.
See also Recommendation 4.14.
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Linked services for people with mental health and drug issues (dual diagnosis)
2.17 ‘Joined up’, ‘one stop’ and linked services should be established for people with an alcohol problem who also have mental health and other issues. |
Government Response
The Government is giving issues associated with those complex cases where mental health and drug abuse intersect particular priority. These cases are also often linked to other challenging issues such as homelessness, unemployment, and sometimes, violence.
See Recommendations 3.12, 3.13, 4.15 and 4.16 on how the links between services are being encouraged.
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Youth peer-facilitated alcohol forums
2.18 Peer-facilitated alcohol forums for young people which initiate and support action at the local level should be developed and evaluated. |
Government Response
This is supported and programs are being implemented and expanded. See Recommendation 1.11: Informing and protecting young people from harms associated with alcohol abuse.
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G. PREVENTING HARM THROUGH FAMILY AND PARENT EDUCATION
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Helping parents, carers and families by information, education, and support
2.19 Greater effort is required to enhance the awareness amongst parents, carers and family members of the importance of their behaviour on the development of their children’s attitudes about alcohol.
2.22 Information and skills need to be provided to parents to introduce relevant alcohol information to their young people. Additional efforts will be required for some parents with greater needs due to personal circumstances.
2.23 Strategies and support need to be developed to assist families to look at the areas where they can have a positive impact on reducing the potential harms caused by alcohol including:
§ making informed decisions with their teenagers about end of year celebrations and the supply of alcohol for parties
§ providing information to their teenagers about alcohol and its effects
§ building resilience in their teenagers
§ education campaigns similar to those for seat belt use and skin cancer
§ parenting skills programs
§ the development of a parent education program that links to drug education programs in schools to more effectively involve parents in educating their children about alcohol use and misuse. This could be achieved through a core group of experts from relevant government agencies, non-government agencies (including those with personal experience of alcohol abuse) and media and advertising organisations. |
Government Response
The new Alcohol Education and Information Taskforce will identify initiatives to target the information needs of parents and carers, and will consider the effectiveness of current efforts to encourage parents, carers and family members to be role models for young people (Rec. 1.3).
Key initiatives in relation to the specific strategies proposed above are outlined in Recommendation 1.10 and include the following actions:
Safer celebrations
§ NSW Health’s online guide, Safer celebrations - a planning guide for event managers in NSW
§ NSW Health resources for parents and students on safer end of year celebrations
§ NSW Police Supply Means Supply program
§ NSW Police Safe Party education campaign
§ Department of Education and Training End of Year Celebration kit.
Parent and family skills, education programs and campaigns
§ Department of Community Services research on improving support for parents and carers
§ Department of Gaming and Racing information leaflets
§ NSW Health information and education program for Aboriginal families and carers of people with an alcohol or drug problem
§ Family Matters: how to approach drug issues in your family booklet
§ materials for non-English speaking background parents and students at school entry and transition to high school education
§ a new primary school ‘big book’ kit on alcohol issues, including parent materials (Rec. 1.11)
§ expansion of Schools as Community Centres (Rec. 2.30)
§ information for parents through the school system.
Interventions that are in place to assist in developing parenting skills, such as Families First are outlined at Recommendation 4.17. Recommendation 8.50 outlines the information that will be provided for Aboriginal parents, including those in crisis, to improve their skills in creating a safe environment for young people.
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Research and evaluation concerning family and parent education
2.20 Research is needed to evaluate and apply effective ways of encouraging parents, carers and family members to be effective role models and the needs of different communities taken into account when developing local responses. |
Government Response
Research on parents, carers and families
The National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Alcohol Guidelines (2001) suggests that useful strategies to minimise the harms of alcohol use among young people include supporting parents to be positive role models for their children, increasing parents’ knowledge and understanding of the potential harms of underage drinking and the laws on underage drinking, and providing information to parents to help minimise harms from underage drinking.
Research and monitoring of alcohol related parental, carer and familial behaviour across diverse communities and its impact on children can inform effective evidence based policy and ways to encourage role modelling. Accordingly the following action will be or is being taken:
§ The Department of Community Services will undertake new research on ways to improve support for parents and carers in managing alcohol abuse within the family setting (Rec. 1.10).
§ The Alcohol Information and Education Taskforce will assess existing strategies, and develop appropriate approaches, strategies or models to help parents and communities assist their young people to make informed and appropriate choices about alcohol use (Rec. 1.3).
§ The Commission for Children and Young People will research and produce an information sheet on young people and alcohol use as part of its Ask the children series (Rec. 1.11).
§ The NSW Commission for Children and Young People and the Queensland Commission for Children and Young People have commissioned the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre’s Investing in Families and Children study. This national project will provide a policy framework for the development of a coherent national approach to the early years.
Research on the needs of different communities
The Government will continue to work with research organisations to improve the understanding of alcohol abuse in diverse communities around the State. Key initiatives underway include:
§ The Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC) has commenced work on a series of surveys that will determine the prevalence and patterns of alcohol and drug use in Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic speaking, Spanish speaking, Italian and Pacific Islander communities in New South Wales. The research has been funded by the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation and will take three years to complete.
§ The Motor Accidents Authority funded DAMEC to examine contextual issues around drink driving/walking in the Pacific Islander and Italian communities. These studies provide a picture of some "consumption environments" and ways to access these communities.
See Recommendations 6.26, 6.27 and 6.28 for information on additional research projects.
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Culturally and linguistically diverse communities: alcohol harm reduction strategies
2.21 Education strategies should recognise that the use of alcohol in Australia may differ from the experience of people recently arrived from other countries. Strategies, including giving information and developing skills, should be made available for parents, families and groups that self-identify as a community, about issues likely to be encountered in the Australian culture around alcohol use. |
Government Response
The Government's Charter of Principles for a Culturally Diverse Society underlines its commitment to being responsive to diverse communities and emphasises the importance of recognising cultural diversity in all aspects of managing public sector resources and programs.
Key initiatives will be undertaken to reduce harm in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. These include:
§ undertaking research into the needs of different communities (Rec. 2.20)
§ consulting with and providing alcohol abuse prevention information to cultural communities through the Community Relations Commission’s ten Regional Advisory Councils and two annual symposiums
§ engaging ethnic community leaders to promote information about alcohol harm reduction to their communities (Rec. 1.5)
§ NSW Health and the Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre developing best practice guidelines for culturally appropriate and effective residential rehabilitation approaches (Rec. 4.12)
§ supporting culturally appropriate workforce development approaches, including the NSW TAFE qualifications which have components that address cultural diversity issues (Rec. 4.12)
§ providing drug education materials for non-English speaking background parents and students at school entry and transition to high school (Rec. 1.10)
§ updating the Road Users’ Handbook for novice drivers to reflect the new zero BAC limit and producing it in ten languages (Rec. 5.9)
§ in 2004, introducing Drug education in culturally diverse classrooms: tobacco and alcohol, a CD-Rom training and development package, by the Department of Education and Training, to assist teachers with alcohol and tobacco education in culturally diverse classrooms.
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H. CHANGING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SPORT AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
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Promoting a responsible drinking culture at sporting events
2.24 It is important to recognise that participation in physically active recreational activities leads to feelings of well-being that can provide an alternative to excessive alcohol use. As an activity, participation in sport can also be one of many positive alternatives to risky alcohol consumption and abuse.
2.25 The acceptability of inappropriate alcohol use at sporting events, by both participants and spectators, should be challenged through:
§ providing opportunities for training to strengthen the administration and culture of sports organisations, including increased compliance of responsible service of alcohol and legal responsibilities for sports clubs, workers and volunteers
§ improving the management of large sports events including restricting the sale of alcohol and improving the physical environment before, during and after the event
§ encouraging high profile sports people to promote non-drinking and responsible alcohol use
§ reviewing alcohol sponsorship of motor sports and under age events. |
Government Response
Issues related to the responsible service of alcohol in sporting clubs and at sporting venues and the management of large events are addressed at Recommendation 1.9.
The new Alcohol Education and Information Taskforce (Rec. 1.3) will also be asked to consider the issue of sports’ people participating in social marketing campaigns about alcohol use.
Recommendations 1.7 and 1.8 outline the NSW Government’s collaborative efforts with the liquor industry to explore ways of incorporating socially responsible messages into advertising and promotion generally.
The Liquor Industry Consultative Council will be asked to develop a code of practice relating to the sponsorship of under-18 sports and events by the liquor and hospitality industries. Consideration will be given to the need to ensure ongoing financial support of sporting teams while not overtly advertising the names of alcohol products or licensed premises, and protecting young people from images promoting risky drinking behaviour.
Controls over alcohol advertising, labelling and sponsorship have implications at a national level. Alcohol sponsorship of motor sport requires a national approach. The Government will therefore ask the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy to examine this issue.
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The role of institutes of sports in prevention of guiding junior athletes on responsible alcohol use
2.26 That the Institutes of Sports recognise their responsibility to train junior athletes in the responsible use of alcohol. |
Government Response
The NSW Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation provides funding to ten regional academies of sport in New South Wales. The academies provide education and training on a range of issues including drugs in sport. The Department will work with the academies to include comprehensive education on alcohol and sport for academy participants.
Specific alcohol education programs are also in place in the Australian and NSW Institutes of Sport as part of their Athlete Education Programs.
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has developed an Alcohol and Recreational Drug Education Program to help athletes, managers and coaches to develop a more responsible approach to alcohol.
The AIS is currently evaluating its coach and athlete education programs. In 2004, it will develop a new resource kit for athletes on alcohol and recreational drug use.
The NSW Institute of Sport will adopt the new resource with its athletes, in addition to existing education and counselling strategies included in its Athlete Career Education (ACE) and professional development programs.
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I. MEDIA PROMOTION OF ALCOHOL
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Media research and media promotion of alcohol use
2.27 There is a need for further research into the role of the media, including the internet and other electronic media, in alcohol misuse and harm.
Consideration should be given to greater involvement of the Government in regulating the promotion of alcohol use through:
§ media such as television programs, internet sites, and print
§ liquor industry generation and sponsorship of events
§ advertising industry. |
Government Response
Research on the role of media relating to alcohol abuse and alcohol related harm
There have been a number of research initiatives into the role of the media in general and in relation to alcohol coverage specifically. The Government has reviewed relevant research on the media and its role in shaping people’s attitudes and opinions.
The Australian Drug Foundation has published papers on alcohol marketing and the media on its website at www.adf.org.au. A study into the extent of alcohol portrayal in a popular television drama series is also reported on at this site.
The new Alcohol Education and Information Taskforce will provide the framework for the Government to engage and brief the media, including television, internet, and print, on alcohol harms and make links with peak media industry bodies. The taskforce will also work with industry in promoting responsible advertising (Rec. 1.3).
The Government will engage with the media, including television programs, to work towards improved media presentation of alcohol use. The strategies that will be implemented are identified in the response to Recommendation 1.6.
Regulation of alcohol advertising
State based legislative controls over alcohol products and promotions are being reviewed to ensure they are effective in protecting against products and promotions that may encourage irresponsible consumption. The review, established by the Minister for Gaming and Racing, will report during 2004.
Other issues related to the promotion of alcohol use are addressed elsewhere in this report. The regulation of alcohol advertising is covered at Recommendation 1.8. See also Recommendation 2.25.
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J. SCHOOL BASED PREVENTION
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