The suppression of evidence regarding alcohol’s harm in public policy, particularly in the context of gender-based violence prevention, has sparked significant concern. Caterina Giorgi, CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), provides a detailed account of the pervasive influence of alcohol companies and the systemic challenges faced in advocating for policy reform. This article delves into the intricate ways alcohol lobbyists manipulate policy decisions, the broad impacts on public health, and the urgent need for transparency and accountability.
The Influence of Alcohol Companies
Suppression of Evidence
Over the weekend, an exclusive story in The Saturday Paper revealed that part of the evidence intended to inform the current strategy for the prevention of gender-based violence in Australia was suppressed by a government agency. This included critical evidence on the role of alcohol. Professor Michael Salter, the researcher commissioned to prepare the report, disclosed this suppression to Caterina Giorgi earlier in the year.
Giorgi expressed her sadness for the many women and children who have experienced violence where alcohol played a role. However, she was not surprised by this decision, given her extensive experience advocating for changes to laws, policies, and programs to prevent alcohol harm. She has witnessed firsthand how alcohol companies and their lobby groups work tirelessly to undermine and stop reform efforts both in Australia and globally.
Lobbying and Influence
The influence of alcohol companies goes far beyond traditional lobbying tactics. It extends into nearly every facet of the policy-making process, creating a pervasive environment where few, if any, policy decisions are made without their shadow looming over decision-makers.
Pregnancy Health Warnings: A striking example of this influence is the prolonged battle for pregnancy health warnings on alcoholic products. Advocates, including individuals living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), community organisations, health professionals, and researchers, fought for two decades to implement these labels. At every step, alcohol companies opposed these warnings. They questioned the evidence, propagated myths, and made exaggerated claims about costs and job losses—none of which materialised. The alcohol industry’s access to decision-makers was greater, and they made it clear that they would exert significant pressure on governments if the labels were implemented.
In 2020, when the decision to change food or alcohol label regulations was finally announced, the pressure from alcohol companies was so intense that opposing Ministers requested their jurisdictions be listed on the communique, a rare occurrence that underscored their desperation to align with alcohol companies rather than prioritise public health.
Following this decision, both the Chair and CEO of the agency responsible for food and alcohol labelling in Australia lost their positions. According to sources in Canberra, alcohol lobby groups boasted about having “taken two scalps.”
National Alcohol Strategy: This is not an isolated incident. The alcohol industry has consistently pressured the government to alter the National Alcohol Strategy. They delayed the release of the updated National Medical Health and Research Council (NHMRC) Alcohol Guidelines and even produced materials that questioned the credibility of the advisory group, some members of which have over four decades of experience in the field. The Northern Territory government changed its alcohol laws three times to facilitate the construction of an alcohol megastore near three dry Aboriginal communities.
Systemic Challenges
Impact on Policy and Reform
The prioritisation of vested interests over community health is evident in the way alcohol companies influence policy. This influence discourages public servants and organisations from taking actions that might upset powerful industries. The suppression of evidence on alcohol’s role in violence prevention is a glaring example of systemic issues that prioritise corporate voices over community needs.
When public servants or not-for-profit organisations are threatened with the loss of their livelihood or funding, they often assume that any action that might upset powerful industries is detrimental. This assumption halts necessary action and perpetuates a cycle of inaction and suppression.
The Role of Alcohol in Gender-Based Violence
The suppression of evidence regarding alcohol’s role in gender-based violence prevention is particularly troubling. Alcohol is a known accelerant in many violent incidents. The failure to address this in public policy leaves a significant gap in the prevention framework, ultimately failing the very individuals it aims to protect.
Examples of Suppression: The suppression of evidence on alcohol’s role in gender-based violence is not an isolated incident. The alcohol industry has a long history of influencing public policy to minimise its impact. This includes pressuring governments to change the National Alcohol Strategy, delaying the release of updated NHMRC Alcohol Guidelines, and challenging the credibility of advisory groups. These actions send a clear message to public servants and politicians not to act against the alcohol industry’s interests.
Call to Action
The Australian Government has initiated a rapid review of evidence-based approaches to prevent gender-based violence. It is crucial that these processes remain transparent and accountable, acknowledging the role of harmful industries like alcohol and gambling. The health and wellbeing of our families and communities depend on it.
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