The recent State of Origin campaign by DrinkWise has drawn significant criticism for its association with alcohol companies and its potential ineffectiveness in addressing the surge in domestic violence incidents during major sporting events. This article examines the controversial actions of DrinkWise, the data supporting the link between alcohol and violence, and the responses from advocacy groups and public health experts.

DrinkWise and Alcohol Industry Influence

Corporate Backing

• Funding: DrinkWise is funded by 20 major alcohol companies and retailers.
• Message: The campaign slogan “Always Respect, Always DrinkWise” is promoted despite these companies’ efforts to block effective alcohol policy reforms.

Lobbying Efforts

• Retail Drinks Australia: Funded by the same alcohol companies, this lobby group pressures governments to resist common sense liquor laws that could prevent violence.

Increased Risk of Violence

State of Origin Statistics

• Risk Increase: Evidence suggests that the risk of violence increases by 40% around State of Origin games.
• Preparation: Women’s shelters and domestic violence hotlines brace for a surge in calls during these events.

Ineffective Campaigns

Criticisms from Advocacy Groups

• FARE CEO’s Stance: Caterina Giorgi describes DrinkWise’s campaigns as disingenuous and ineffective, designed to avoid meaningful action against alcohol-related harm.
• Historical Issues: Previous campaigns like “How to drink properly” have been criticised for glorifying alcohol use and providing misleading information.

Alcohol Delivery Concerns

Rapid Delivery Risks

• Jimmy Brings: Endeavour, Australia’s largest alcohol and gambling retailer and a DrinkWise funder, reported a 26% increase in sales for its online delivery service on Origin game night.
• Home Delivery Policies: Common sense measures suggested to reduce harm include:
  • Limiting delivery times to 10am – 10pm.
  • Introducing a two-hour safety pause between ordering and delivery.
  • Implementing effective ID checks.

Government and Sporting Partnerships

Calls for Action

• Ending Partnerships: Advocacy groups urge governments and sporting codes to sever ties with alcohol companies that obstruct essential liquor law reforms.
• Health Campaigns: There is a strong call to prevent alcohol companies from running public health campaigns due to their conflicting interests.

Summary

The DrinkWise State of Origin campaign has highlighted the ongoing battle between public health advocates and the alcohol industry. While DrinkWise promotes moderate drinking, the underlying corporate interests and lobbying efforts raise serious questions about the campaign’s effectiveness in reducing alcohol-related harm and violence.

Source: FARE