Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

In relation to the modelling, I will have to take that part of the question on notice. There is a question of whether the portfolio of Health has undertaken the modelling or whether it was Treasury. If it was Treasury then it would be not within my portfolio area. But I will take that part of the question on notice and see what information Minister Roxon can provide in respect of it.

I am aware that the public health lobby want to discuss alcohol tax issues at the Tax Forum. That is an issue that they have been, as I understand it, lobbying quite strongly for. In respect of this issue, this government recognises that binge drinking among young people in particular is a very important issue and that is why the government has invested $103.5 million over six years into the National Binge Drinking Strategy. That $103.5 million goes to $20 million for the 'Don't turn the night out into a nightmare' campaign; $34.4 million for community-level initiatives; $25 million for a community sponsorship fund; $19.1 million for early intervention pilot programs, which are particularly helpful; and $5 million for enhanced phone counselling. This government does take the issue seriously. We also understand that the senator has an interest in this particular area and has been following it very closely. We will continue to build on the programs we have put forward and, depending on the portfolio responsibility, I will see what additional information I can find regarding the modelling I indicated earlier.