Support for anti-booze action
Nine out of 10 West Australians favour tougher penalties for people involved in alcohol-fuelled violence, a new survey shows.
An annual national poll into attitudes about alcohol has found West Australians are significantly more likely than other Australians to want increased penalties and one-third have experienced alcohol-related violence.
Half of them believe alcohol is the most harmful drug compared with 40 per cent of respondents nationally.
The research, commissioned for the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, found 82 per cent of West Australians believe the country has a problem with alcohol, compared with 75 per cent nationally. West Australians are also more educated about the risks of heavy drinking, with 68 per cent aware of safe drinking guidelines compared with 58 per cent of people nationally.
They also score better than average for knowing pregnant women should avoid alcohol and understanding foetal alcohol syndrome disorder.
McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth director Mike Daube said the poll showed concern about alcohol problems and strong support for action.
"The magnitude of these problems demands serious action by governments, rather than rhetoric, distractions and lack of any real commitment," Professor Daube said.
