IN a recent meeting with representatives from local district church groups, Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray, accepted an estimated 400 postcards as a symbol of the communities concerns regarding alcohol abuse and the social implications it has on our community.
Uniting Church of Australia’s Director of the Justice and International Mission Unit, Dr Mark Zirnsak who was present on the day said, “The social implications of alcohol abuse in the community are enormous and we are really encouraging our Government to commit to a comprehensive strategy to reduce alcohol related harms.”
Representatives are encouraging Federal Government to introduce an enforceable code reigning on unethical advertising, increasing tax on high alcohol content products, separating sport and alcohol in particularly in regards to sponsorship and introducing ad campaigns promoting responsible alcohol use.
Dr Zirnsak continued, “We’re not about prohibition, we’re about responsible drinking.”
The postcards have been distributed through congregations over the last few months, with each of them signed by individuals from the community in support of the campaign.
It is hoped by representatives that, with the support of the Federal Government, some of the effects of alcohol misuse on our society can be considerably reduced.
