Further enquiries contact:
Andrew Yule on 0448 380 455 or 9412 6137 or Andrew.yule@anglicarevic.org.au
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
29 October 2009
Anglicare Victoria calls for beer barn review
Anglicare Victoria has called on State Planning Minister, Justin Madden, to take
responsibility for the recent approval of a new beer barn to be built in Melbourne's
Dockland precinct and to explain how such a decision could be made at a time
when his own government seeks to address the growing concern of alcohol fuelled
violence in and around the CBD.
Anglicare Victoria CEO, Dr Ray Cleary, said the decision was difficult to understand
given the knowledge that excessive and binge drinking is a major contributor to the
increased violence and assaults across the State.
"How does this decision line up with the Premier's recent statements about the need
to address the issues of alcohol consumption and violence?” said Dr Cleary.
“Does the planning Minister not understand the link?
"Day by day we see media reports of violence and abuse fuelled by excessive
alcohol consumption. Experts continue to warn of the social and economic costs.
“The community needs more than words and platitudes on the abuse of alcohol.
We need leadership by Government.”
Dr Cleary called on the State Government to review the venues approval in line with
its recent stance on tackling alcohol related violence.
The approval of the beer barn comes just weeks after the State Government and
Anglicare Victoria launched the $1.7 million State funded pilot program called LYFT
(Linking Youth and Families Together).
The program aims to reduce the alcohol related harm to young people by improving
communication, strengthening the family, encouraging treatment, health and well
being options.
The LYFT program is just one element of the Brumby Government's five-year, $37.2
million Alcohol Action Plan to address the significant human and economic impact of
alcohol abuse.
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