ACT Health Minister Simon Corbell wants to close a loophole that allows adults to supply alcohol to minors. Photo: Rohan Thomson
Health Minister Simon Corbell says the ACT government remains committed to closing a loophole which allows adults to supply alcohol to minors.
Mr Corbell has revealed reforms to reduce alcohol-related harm in the ACT are being considered by the government and he anticipated a decision would be made later this year.
“I have on my desk right now recommendations on proposed responses to the review [of ACT liquor laws]. We’re working those through as we speak,” he said on Thursday.
His comments came the same day the ACT was ranked first in the country for its alcohol policies, despite failing to receive a pass on a national alcohol policy scorecard.
The ACT government has been praised for coming out tops on the National Alliance for Action on Alcohol’s report card, but there are calls for more to be done to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm.
The number of patients presenting to Canberra’s two emergency departments for alcohol-related issues rose 35 per cent in three years while alcohol-attributable injuries increased by almost one-quarter.
Treatment episodes where alcohol was the primary drug of concern increased by 40 per cent in a decade, according to the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT.
Mr Corbell said the impact of alcohol on the community was considerable.
“We need to continue to do more, the government is committed to doing that, that’s why we’re reviewing our alcohol laws at the moment,” he said.
ATODA executive office Carrie Fowlie hoped the government would respond to the 2013 review of the Liquor Act soon.
She said things the government could do included ensuring drug treatment services had sufficient resources to meet demand, amending secondary supply laws and restricting late night trading from 5am to 3am.
They are similar measures for which the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has also advocated.
Mr Corbell said reforming secondary supply laws to close a loophole which allows adults to supply alcohol to minors was “definitely on the agenda”.
“There are a range of other reforms that are equally important and they’re currently under consideration by the government,” he said.
“Options are on my desk right now, we’ll be working those through as a government and then going out to the community and industry for further consultation on proposed reforms.”
Chief Minister Andrew Barr also acknowledged there was a lot more work to be done.
“We shouldn’t prevent individuals from enjoying a drink responsibly, but we need to look at measures to elevate the pressure caused by alcohol abuse on our health system, our community services and our police force,” he said on Thursday.