Alcopop Labelling

Dr JOHN KAYE: My question is directed to the Minister for Primary Industries, in his capacity as the Minister responsible for the NSW Food Authority and also as the New South Wales representative on the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council. Is the Minister aware of recent American research showing that the consumption of pre-mixed alcoholic drinks containing high levels of caffeine and other stimulants can double the risk of harm to the drinker and other persons when compared to consuming equivalent quantities of other types of alcoholic drinks? What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that mandatory labelling or other measures warn consumers of the high risks associated with the consumption of high-energy alcopops?

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: I am aware that the member has been calling on the Government to introduce mandatory health warnings on the labels of so-called alcopops. As with other food-related issues, a nationally coordinated response is the most effective approach. The Greens may be aware that the Commonwealth Government is still considering Family First's Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill 2007, which proposes that labels containing health information be placed on alcohol products. The Prime Minister has also asked the Council of Australian Governments to work on the problem of binge drinking through the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council and Food Standards Australia New Zealand, which is the national regulator. The national arena is the proper forum for consideration of this issue to ensure a coordinated and effective response across Australia. I will raise this question at the next meeting of the ministerial council.