Campaign to raise awareness of new secondary supply of alcohol law

11 October 2011

A $1 million education campaign about the supply of alcohol to minors has been announced by Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge and Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O'Brien.

Ms Wooldridge said the campaign – a joint initiative between the Victorian Government, VicHealth and the Australian Drug Foundation – will ensure young Victorians and parents are aware of a new law governing the supply of alcohol to people under the age of 18.

"Previous law on the supply of alcohol to minors did not apply to private residences, which on occasion resulted in irresponsible adults supplying significant amounts of alcohol to minors without their parents' knowledge," Ms Wooldridge said.

From 1 November 2011, people may face fines of $7,000 or more if they break the new law.

"We aren't seeking to limit decisions parents make in relation to their children, but we are seeking to limit the decisions that other people make in relation to children who are not their own."

"Early drinking is related to increased alcohol consumption in adolescence and young adulthood, which can possibly lead to damage to the developing brain and other alcohol-related harms in adulthood," Ms Wooldridge said.

Acting CEO of VicHealth, Associate Professor John Fitzgerald commended the decision to take action to reduce risky drinking among Victoria's young people.

"Alcohol consumption is one of the biggest social issues facing Victoria's young people.

"The new legislation provides clarity for parents, and makes it clear to all adults to think twice before they provide someone else's child with alcohol," Associate Prof Fitzgerald said.

Chief Executive of the Australian Drug Foundation Mr John Rogerson also welcomed the new laws as a positive preventative health measure that enables parents to have much more influence over their child's drinking.

"The Victorian Government, in conjunction with the Australian Drug Foundation and VicHealth, is developing an interactive education program which will help parents discuss this issue with their children," Mr Rogerson said.

Other states, including New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania, have similar laws in place to protect minors from alcohol harms.

Further information

For more information about the new law or to request an education pack, visit the VicHealth website.