Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa
Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) and partner organisations have sent an open letter to the Prime Minister, Ministers and senior health officials – urging them to protect alcohol harm reduction policies from alcohol industry interference. The call comes as part of HCA’s campaign to regulate lobbying .
Health Coalition Aotearoa and partners have urged the Government to protect alcohol harm reduction policies from industry influence, warning that letting the alcohol industry shape policy undermines the health and wellbeing of New Zealand communities.
There were 65 organisations who signed the letter including the Cancer Society New Zealand, NZ Council of Trade Unions, several schools and city missions, Public Health Association, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, University of Otago Department of Public Health, the NZ Drug Foundation and Women’s Refuge NZ.
In the open letter sent today to the Prime Minister and senior Ministers, HCA said alcohol is the most harmful drug in Aotearoa New Zealand. Evidence shows reducing harm requires lowering consumption – an outcome directly at odds with the alcohol industry’s core business of maximising sales.
“New Zealanders deserve policies that put people’s health ahead of industry profits,” said HCA Co-Chair Professor Lisa Te Morenga. “We have international evidence, strong public support, and a clear mandate to keep vested interests out of the room when health policy is being made.”
“Also, a recent survey found 71% of New Zealanders agree the alcohol industry should have no role in developing government policies on alcohol. The World Health Organization has also recognised industry interference as a major obstacle to effective alcohol harm reduction,” said HCA Co-Chair Professor Boyd Swinburn.
HCA is calling on Government to:
- Exclude the alcohol industry from the early development and decision stages of alcohol harm reduction policies.
- Allow the industry to submit views only through public consultation processes, on the same footing as the public.
- Enhance transparency by keeping a public record of all industry meetings and communications with Ministers and officials, as is already required for tobacco.
“These changes are simple, fair, and overdue. They will help create healthier, safer, and fairer communities where families and whānau can thrive,” said Professor Te Morenga.
