Australia

Government rejects bans on alcohol advertising

The Rudd Government won't ban alcohol advertising during children's TV shows or sport broadcasts, or immediately introduce health warning on alcohol packaging similar to that on cigarette packs.

Labor responded to three major health reports today - in the areas of health and hospitals reform, preventative health and primary care.

The National Preventative Health Taskforce was announced in early 2008 to recommend ways of tackling problems caused by tobacco, alcohol and obesity.

Its final report was released last September and included 35 key action areas and 136 recommendations.

The Government said it supported 28 action areas and had addressed 63 recommendations. A further 49 were "under consideration''.

But on the alcohol front, the government decided not to act on a recommendation to ban alcohol advertising during children's shows and live sport broadcasts.

The taskforce also wanted a crackdown on sponsorship of sporting codes. That's been rejected too.

"The Government notes this recommendation,'' the response, Taking Preventative Action, states.

"While the Government is supportive of limiting the exposure of children to advertising ... the Government will not consider regulatory action at this time.'' A call for health labels on alcohol bottles and cans has also been side-stepped.

"The Government notes this consideration and is giving it further consideration,'' the response states.

A call to exempt liquor control legislation from competition policy requirements was also rejected.

But the Government did say it "fully supports local liquor accords''.

On primary care, the Government will work with the states and territories to split responsibilities on health promotion and population health programs.

It plans to do this by the end of this year.

(Published by Herald Sun – May 11, 1010)