SELF RESPONSIBILITY AND EDUCATION,
NOT MORE REGULATION

The Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia is a politically non-aligned organisation that represents the major alcohol importers and distributors of spirits. In representing members, DSICA continues to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol message. The consumption of alcohol in moderation continues to provide millions of Australian adults with a relaxing way to enjoy the social benefits of being with friends for dinner or just a drink.
  Recently, the Prime Minister, when answering a question in Parliament, discussed alcohol use by young people and how informed education was vital in addressing the misuse of alcohol (as well as illicit drugs) of young people. The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of parents in addressing alcohol issues in young people.

The following excerpt from the Prime Minister’s answer in Parliament endorses the concept of self-responsibility:
  ‘The reports in the media yesterday highlighted that young women, in particular, are putting themselves at very serious risk through the use of illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco, often, of course, compounded by the use of cannabis. A key to reducing drug abuse is to get the message across at a very early age. The best way to do this is through schools and by encouraging parents to talk to their children about drugs. Every school in Australia has received information for use in educating young Australians about drug use, focusing on illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Parents also have a vital role in educating their children, and the booklet sent to parents during our 2001 National Illicit Drugs campaign was designed to encourage parents to talk to their children about the danger of drug use. Research has shown that, as a result, 78 per cent of parents had discussed the issues raised in that booklet with their children.
  ‘Binge drinking is a serious social threat in this country. It is not only something which is a responsibility of schools and community leaders; it is also a responsibility of parents. In fact, a major responsibility for tackling the problem lies with parents and, until there is a greater assumption of parental responsibility, the problem will grow as a threat to the future stability of our society.’

We congratulate the Prime Minister for his considered position, particularly in relation to alcohol use and young people. For too long, our adversaries have shifted the responsibility from self to the product. Alcohol is a product that is used by the vast majority at one time in their life and research shows that a large proportion of adults enjoy a drink or two weekly.
  The message of responsible use of alcohol is working: Australia now ranks 19th on the world scale of alcohol consumption per capita, in 1992, Australia was ranked at 16th. The education messages are making an impact, but we continually need to address misuse of alcohol issues.
  We live in a fast changing world with young people seeking to experience and achieve at an increasingly earlier age. Our role as parents and citizens is to educate the young and provide responsible role models, so they are equipped to responsibly handle the many challenges that growing up provides.
  Again we congratulate the Prime Minister for his strong leadership on the issue of parental responsibility.