The Institute was pleased to contribute to the Deakin Faculty of Health’s collective response to the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability’s Inquiry into the Health Impacts of Alcohol and Other Drugs in Australia.
The submission draws on research across alcohol policy, prevention, health equity and addiction to support stronger evidence-based approaches to reducing harm.
What was the submission about?
The submission examines the health, social and economic impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia and highlights opportunities to strengthen prevention, regulation and community-led responses. It focuses on reducing harm through evidence-informed policies that improve health outcomes and address inequities.
Key points
- Prevention works. Community, family and school-based prevention programs can significantly delay alcohol use among young people and reduce harmful drinking.
- Alcohol marketing contributes to harm. Research shows children and young people are exposed to high levels of online alcohol advertising despite existing industry self-regulation.
- Community-led approaches are effective. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and locally designed prevention programs play a critical role in reducing alcohol-related harms.
- Regulation can reduce alcohol-related harm. Measures such as reduced trading hours, minimum unit pricing and improved enforcement have been shown to reduce violence, hospitalisations and alcohol-related injuries.
- Industry influence should be limited. Independent policy development is needed to ensure alcohol regulation prioritises public health outcomes.
- Early intervention matters. Investing in schools, families and youth services can help prevent alcohol and other drug harms before they occur.
What we recommend
- Replace industry-led alcohol advertising regulation with stronger independent legislation.
- Expand culturally safe, community-led alcohol and other drug services.
- Restrict alcohol marketing, particularly to children and young people.
- Strengthen prevention and early intervention programs in schools and communities.
- Implement evidence-based pricing and availability measures, including minimum unit pricing.
- Support whole-of-government approaches that address housing, education, justice and health together.
- Improve monitoring of digital alcohol marketing through new technologies and stronger regulation.
In summary
Deakin University’s Faculty of Health is calling for a stronger public health approach to alcohol and other drug policy. The submission highlights the importance of prevention, independent regulation, community-led action and evidence-based policies to reduce harm and improve health outcomes for all Australians.
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