I have pointed out repeatedly that drug use in Australia is under control. Cigarette, heroin, amphetamine and cannabis consumption are declining and alcohol consumption is roughly stable. It is the reason I don’t support moves to reform drug laws on the grounds that current laws have failed – they have not failed at all.
An article in today’s Age makes the same points about alcohol. Read more »
The Rudd Labor Government is going to increase taxes on alcopop drinks, blaming the former Howard Government for Australia’s binge drinking culture due to a cut in excise. The move was announced by Labor’s Health Minister Nicola Roxon.
I can only describe this attack on the former Government as ridiculous and politically opportunisitic. Let’s not politicise the binge drinking problem. Read more »
My paper 'The Economist's Way of Thinking About Alcohol Policy' has just been published in Agenda. I continue to work on these issues so comments are very welcome.
The Rudd Labor Government is going to increase taxes on alcopop drinks, blaming the former Howard Government for Australia’s binge drinking culture due to a cut in excise. The move was announced by Labor’s Health Minister Nicola Roxon.
I can only describe this attack on the former Government as ridiculous and politically opportunisitic. Let’s not politicise the binge drinking problem. Read more »
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