Right: higher taxes have been placed on popular drinks in the hope that young people will be less likely to buy them
web links and documents
The Council of Australian Governments' communique‚ from its March 26 2008 meeting can be read at http://www.coag.gov.au/meetings/260308/index.htm#bingeThe above link takes the reader to the section of the communiqu‚ dealing with proposed action to curb binge drinking.
On September 6 2007 the ABC screened a series of programs presenting a range of views on Australian attitudes to alcohol consumption and the extent of problem drinking in Australia. This was presented as part of the Difference of Opinion series. Full transcripts of these different positions can be found at http://www.abc.net.au/tv/differenceofopinion/content/archives/doo_20070906.htm
On March 24 2008 the ABC's Lateline program presented an overview of the Rudd Government's attempts to curb alcohol consumption, including what is proposed to raise at the GCOAG meeting of March 26. A full transcript of this program can be found at http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2007/s2197875.htm
On April 27 2007 the British newspaper, The Guardian, published a report of a bid to have parents who give their under-age children alcohol prosecuted.
The full text of this article can be found at http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2007/apr/27/drugsandalcohol.uknews
In 2004 the Australian Government's advisory body, The Australian Institute of Family Studies released a study titled, 'Parenting influences on adolescent alcohol use'. Though quite long, this is a clear and detailed report which rewards careful reading. It can be found at http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/pubs/resreport10/main.html
On November 28, 2007, the premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh, issued a media release indicating her government's intention to take action against parents who 'recklessly' supply alcohol to minors. The full text of this release can be found at http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=55386
On February 8, 2008, a columnist for the British newspaper, The Telegraph, has published an opinion piece in which she explained her decision to allow her quite young children to drink wine in moderation.
The full text of her point of view can be found at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/main.jhtml?xml=/education/2008/02/08/fadrink108.xml