FARE acknowledges that the Commonwealth Government is committed to reaching a surplus in the 2013-14 Budget, so this submission therefore outlines areas of cost savings for Government, as well as areas where modest investment will make a significant difference to communities and individuals. The case for introducing evidence-based alcohol prevention policies has never been more compelling.
Recommendations
Budget savings:
- Replace the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) with a volumetric tax rate at $29.05 per litre of pure alcohol
Projected savings: $849 million over one year - Abolish the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) Rebate
Projected savings: over $200 million over one year
Budget expenditure:
- Publish, implement and evaluate the Australian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) diagnostic instrument and implement training for health professionals on its use
Projected cost: $2.1 million over three years - Establish Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) diagnostic services
Projected cost: $7.3 million over three years - Develop Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) models of care
Projected cost: $517,000 over three years - Fund an Australian burden of disease study
Projected cost: $3 million over three years
