Senator Andrew Murray
Democrats Senator for Western Australia
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Taxation, Finance & Corporate Affairs
| Dated: 12 March 2008
Portfolio: Taxation, Finance & Corporate Affairs
| More from Senator Andrew Murray on Taxation, Finance & Corporate Affairs
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UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FOR FULL ALCOHOL INQUIRY
| The Australian Democrats are delighted that at the third try in six years, a comprehensive alcohol inquiry is at last set to get under way.
"I thank those from all political parties who helped get unanimous support for my motion. By this motion, the Senate has asked the Government to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into alcohol, to address its abuse," said Senator Andrew Murray, the Democrats Corporate Affairs spokesperson.
"Given the commitment of Mr Rudd and many members of his government to addressing the abuse of alcohol, I look forward to an inquiry and report that can make a real contribution to reducing abuse, while simultaneously improving the policy settings for the industry and consumers," Senator Murray concluded.
The Senate Motion read:
(1) That the Senate, noting concern in the community at the abuse of alcohol, asks that the Government refer the following matter to a parliamentary committee, an appropriate body or a specially-established task force for inquiry and report:
The need to significantly reduce alcohol abuse in Australia, especially in geographic or demographic hot spots, and what the Commonwealth, States and Territories should separately and jointly do with respect to:
(a) the pricing of alcohol, including taxation;
(b) the marketing of alcohol; and
(c) regulating the distribution, availability and consumption of alcohol.
(2) In undertaking the inquiry, regard is to be had to:
(a) economic as well as social issues;
(b) alcohol rehabilitation and education;
(c) the need for a flexible responsive and adaptable regulatory regime; and
(d) the need for a consistent harmonised Australian approach.
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