The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has reaffirmed its support for the Northern Territory Government’s new Liquor Licensing Act.
RACS NT Chair and head and neck surgeon, Mr Mahiban Thomas, congratulated the government for its commitment to the new legislation despite significant opposition fromthe alcohol industry.
“We commend the government for remaining steadfast in their commitment to this critical area of public policy, especially in the face of such vocal opposition from vested interests within the alcohol industry.
“The Riley Review, which was commissioned by the NT Government, highlighted just how unhealthy the drinking culture in the NT has become. The Review showed that we hold a long list of unenviable records, including the highest levels of both alcohol related hospitalisations and deaths in Australia. We were pleased by the comprehensive nature of the recommendations and the government’s willingness to accept them,” Mr Thomas said.
“As surgeons we see this first-hand, and we know just how devastating the consequences of alcohol related trauma can be. This is backed up by data from our own audits of surgical mortality, which consistently highlight hepatic (liver related) issues and alcohol misuse are much higher in the Northern Territory compared to similar audit reports in other jurisdictions.
RACS has a long track record on advocating for a minimum price on alcohol across Australia and supports evidence-based measures.
“It is imperative that practical evidence-based measures that benefit our community are supported, so that we can move towards a safer drinking culture in the Territory, Mr Thomas added.
