Media release – 2 October 2015
NSW Premier Mike Baird announced recently that he opposes alcohol advertising appearing on the uniform of Australia’s cricket team.
“Mr Baird has said that more should be done to address alcohol-fuelled violence, and he certainly seems to get things done,” NSW Council of Churches Public Affairs Director, the Reverend Rod Benson, said today.
“His discussions with Cricket Australia appear to have resulted in the absence of alcohol-related advertising during the latest Big Bash competition. We hope similar gains can be made in other sports,” Reverend Benson said.
The NSW Council of Churches strongly supports efforts to curb alcohol advertising on sport uniforms and in televised sports broadcasts. We support public health and harm minimisation measures aimed at reducing alcohol-fuelled violence, such as earlier pub closing times, lock-outs, and raising the legal drinking age.
The Council also endorses the findings of a recent wide-ranging NSW Legislative Council inquiry into the gambling industry, and has urged the NSW Government to press ahead and implement all of the recommendations contained in the inquiry report.
The NSW Council of Churches believes that gambling regulations should be framed with the core goals of public health and harm minimisation.
“Laws and regulations relating to gambling should be crafted in the best interests of NSW citizens. Public interest must trump private profit. The time has come for action,” Reverend Benson said.
– ENDS –
Media contact Rod Benson 0412 421 678
NSW Council of Churches 
Discussion
No comments yet.