Paying a high price for the sins of a few

16 Oct 2018

If one 750mL bottle of wine contains 7.7 standard drinks, under the minimum floor price initiative, that bottle of wine cannot be sold for less than $10.01.

It has been an interesting news week, especially with our members being very vocal about the NT Government’s new Alcohol Reform measures which include an increase in the floor price for various products. This minimum unit price for alcohol is “intended to minimise the harms associated with high-alcohol, low-cost alcoholic beverages.”

It means that one standard drink will cost a minimum of $1.30. Hence, if one 750mL bottle of wine contains 7.7 standard drinks, under the minimum floor price initiative, that bottle of wine cannot be sold for less than $10.01.

Once again it seems that the majority must pay for the sins of the minority. While we all recognise that there is a serious issue with alcohol consumption amongst our population, is this really the solution?  Seniors from all walks of life enjoy a tipple and now those on a set income, which includes self- funded retirees, will find that a favourite tipple may cost them nearly double what it used too.

Onto other news, the Federal government announced the two people who will be leading the Royal Commission into Aged Care. One is a supreme court judge from WA, Justice Joseph McGrath and a former CEO of Medicare, Lynelle Briggs. 

While the Royal Commission has until 2020 to bring down their findings, there are some urgent reforms that need to take place as soon as possible. Some of these include the new Quality and Safety Commission, funding for even more high-level home care packages, and a strategy for improving the quality and sustainability of the aged care workforce to appropriately meet current demand. These reforms can’t wait for the completion for the Royal Commission and must be bought in as a matter of urgency.

~ Sue Shearer, CEO – COTA NT

Tags: Seniors Voice