Launch of 1995-96 Drinksafe campaign

12/12/95

Health Minister Graham Kierath today launched the Health Department's Drinksafe Campaign for 1995/96.

"With the festive season on us, it is a timely reminder that the annual Drinksafe Campaign is not about abstinence, but rather enjoying a couple of drinks with your friends without harming yourself," Mr Kierath said.

"Statistically, Western Australians consume slightly more alcohol per person each year (10.94 litres) than the Australian average (9.4 litres).

"It is conservatively estimated that excessive alcohol consumption costs Western Australia alone more than $690 million every year.

"This figure includes loss of productivity, vehicle crashes, health care costs, loss of life and illness.

"That is an incredible figure for a population of under two million people."

As well as the long-term serious effects of alcohol consumption, the Drinksafe Campaign aims to highlight the immediate and short-term health effects of drinking, such as stomach upsets for diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting which could all be early warning signs.

"If people ignore these warning signs and are drinking above the recommended Drinksafe limits, they may develop serious health problems such as brain damage, strokes, liver diseases and cancers," Mr Kierath said.

The recommended daily Drinksafe limits are no more than four standard drinks a day for men and two standard drinks a day for women.

"Of course, your body is not a bank.  You cannot save up your drinks and have a heavy drinking session on one night of the week," Mr Kierath said.

At the launch the Minister highlighted the new standard drink labels which would be displayed on all drink containers manufactured and imported into Australia from December 22, 1995.

The standard drink labels would show exactly how many standard drinks - containing 10 grams of alcohol - were contained in each bottle or can.

"I am pleased to announce that the WA Police Service and the Liquor Stores' Association have pledged to help in the distribution of information produced by the Health Department about standard drinks," Mr Kierath said.

"Drivers who are stopped by a 'booze bus' over the Christmas period, and who are below the .05 driving limit, will be given either a wallet card or fridge magnet which explains standard drinks and how drivers can stay under the limit.

"Again, I would like to emphasise we are not promoting abstinence - we are not 'wowsers' - we would simply like everyone to enjoy Christmas and make it a festive season they can truly remember."

Media contact:  Caroline Lacy 222 9595 or 481 2133