In this week’s instalment of citizen journalism, Australian Greens health spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert renews her party’s calls for an end to alcohol sponsorship of sporting events, following reports that a Government taskforce is set to recommend similar measures.
“The Greens have been calling for action on alcohol sponsorship of sporting events for some time now, and it is good to see the Government’s own taskforce reportedly recommending action on the matter.
The Preventative Health Taskforce is reportedly recommending the banning of alcohol sponsorship of sporting and cultural events, alongside further restrictions to internet, youth, television and sporting arena advertising.
We have long incorporated this into our approach towards the problems associated with alcohol in this country, as evident in negotiations over the Government’s Alcopops tax.
The Greens have already secured a package of funding with the Government, once the Alcopops Bill goes through, to establish a $25 million Health Sponsorship Fund. This fund will enable sporting groups to end their reliance on alcohol sponsorship by applying for sponsorship from the fund.
We need to develop a sustained, comprehensive, long-term strategy to promote a culture of safe and responsible alcohol consumption. Sporting clubs and groups play an important role in the building of communities and contributing to people’s health and wellbeing.
That is why we want to ensure that sporting clubs and groups, big and small, that are reliant on alcohol sponsorship, will be able to source sponsorship elsewhere.
It is time that we acknowledged the true cost of alcohol to our community, and moved to phase out alcohol sponsorship of sporting events, clubs and community groups.”
To comment on this story, click here.