Govt ‘ignoring’ advice on alcohol-family violence link
NewsTalk ZB 18 September 2016
Family First Comment: Yep.
“We should be looking at social problems through the point of view of science and what works – you’ve got to do something about the heavy drinking cultures through alcohol law reform.”
The government has been accused of ignoring scientific evidence of how alcohol reform could contribute to reducing family violence.
Professor Doug Sellman, medical spokesman for Alcohol Action NZ, insists the government has a mistaken political ideology that education and targeting interventions at high risk individuals is the correct way to tackle social problems like family violence, without evidence that approach works.
He says the government has cynically dismissed the Law Commission’s report recommending reform of alcohol pricing, marketing, accessibility and age of purchase.
“There’s been very little done about alcohol law reform in New Zealand, despite the Government – I think – pretending they are doing a lot,” he said.
Professor Sellman believes a fresh point of view is needed.
“We should be looking at social problems through the point of view of science and what works – you’ve got to do something about the heavy drinking cultures through alcohol law reform.”
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/health/govt-ignoring-advice-on-alcohol-family-violence-link/
