EditorialLast night the NSW ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA) held a NSW alcohol policy election forum in Sydney. The forum provided communities with an opportunity to see exactly where the parties stand on alcohol policy issues ahead of the 28 March State Election.
The ALP, Greens and Christian Democratic Party had representatives speak at the forum: the Hon Sophie Cotsis MLC, Labor Party Shadow Minister for Local Government and Shadow Minister for Mental Health; Dr John Kaye MLC, Greens Spokesperson for Health; and Reverend the Hon Fred Nile MLC, President of the Christian Democratic Party.
Unfortunately the NSW Coalition Government pulled out just twenty-four hours before the event. Despite having 80 members of parliament, the Coalition’s last minute no show was an indictment on the Baird Government, leaving voters in the dark regarding their intentions.
The forum also heard many personal stories from local Sydney residents, with the overwhelming consensus from community members being that the current alcohol harm prevention measures have already made a major improvement to life in the city.
My vote is for
At the Forum NAAPA launched the second of its campaign videos ‘My vote is for’. Since the launch of their election campaign in November 2014. NAAPA has been calling on all parties to protect our children and families, put communities first, reduce disability and disease, prevent violence on our streets and build a robust alcohol harm prevention framework.
NAAPA launched the campaign because another family broken due to alcohol is one too many, another child born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is one too many, another young person’s life derailed because of alcohol is one too many, another community living in fear is one too many.
That is why this election, NAAPA’s vote is for preventing alcohol harms before they happen and NAAPA will continue to urge all NSW politicians and candidates to make alcohol a priority.
Get involved in the NAAPA campaign
There are a number of ways you can support NAAPA’s work and get involved in our campaign.
Firstly, you can share the My vote is for NAAPA video with your social media networks.
NAAPA has developed a postcard campaign calling on the Premier of NSW Mike Baird to fund and develop a Community Defenders Office in NSW.
You can also send an email to your local member calling on them to take action on alcohol.
You can visit the NAAPA website to find out more about the alliance, connect with NAAPA members on Twitter, and join the conversation at #NAAPA.
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