Caterina Giorgi, CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), spoke at the Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs. She called for urgent measures to achieve alcohol harm reduction, highlighting its devastating toll on Australian society. Giorgi revealed that 1,742 Australians lost their lives to alcohol-induced deaths in 2022, surpassing fatalities from road accidents and melanoma. Alarmingly, 5,000 alcohol-related deaths occur each year—one life lost every two hours.

Giorgi described alcohol as a major driver of social harm, linking it directly to domestic violence and child abuse. She noted alcohol’s involvement in up to 65% of reported family violence incidents in some states and its impact on one in six children. These children face verbal abuse, neglect, or physical harm. The pandemic has made alcohol misuse worse, with more hospitalisations and an increased need for treatment services.

FARE criticised outdated laws and weak regulations, stating that they fail to prioritise reducing alcohol-related harm. Giorgi condemned the endless availability of alcohol, unregulated delivery services, and intrusive, data-driven ad targeting. She shared harrowing examples of families losing loved ones due to excessive alcohol deliveries, underscoring the urgent need for reform.

Despite challenges, progress can be seen in initiatives like the “Every Moment Matters” campaign. This programme raises awareness about alcohol’s risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Reviews of alcohol’s role in gender-based violence also show promise. However, Giorgi expressed concern over setbacks such as the Northern Territory’s proposal to repeal minimum unit pricing and industry efforts to expand alcohol advertising. She argued that political donations and lobbying by alcohol companies heavily influence policy, often at the expense of community welfare.

FARE issued a strong appeal for change, urging tighter regulations and policies that focus on health and safety. Giorgi emphasised that alcohol harm reduction is essential to prevent further loss of life and ensure vulnerable people receive the support they need. “The current system favours harm over help,” Giorgi stated, calling on lawmakers to seize the moment for meaningful reform.

Source: fare