The time will have to come when Australia confronts and acts on the damage done by alcohol, just as it did with tobacco.
For the moment, too many people see the abuse of alcohol as someone else’s problem. Tougher government action on prevention is not seen as a priority, especially if that means higher prices, restricted access and a rethink of the central role booze plays in our cultural life.
As evidence builds of the immense damage alcohol abuse is causing, let’s hope Australians will begin to see the need for action.
