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Our blog aims to generate meaningful commentary about alcohol policy, and to provide a platform for all members of the Australian community to share their views and concerns.

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Policy

Building evidence to stop harm from online alcohol marketing

We spend a lot of time online to work, study, and stay connected. That’s why it is important our time online is not punctured with endless exposure to products that are harmful to our overall health and wellbeing. When digital marketing is out of control, we need to set checks and balances for tech and alcohol companies that will help create safe online spaces for our families and communities.

Editorial 04/08/2022

Policy

When will the season of alcohol and sport end?

Right now, there is much excitement in my household about the State of Origin. But there’s something else on too, and our kids are taking notice. Research released by Deakin University recently analysed the number of alcohol ads shown during sport on free-to-air television networks.

Caterina Giorgi 07/07/2022

A mother and her young son playing together in a park

Policy

Alcohol companies continue to play by their own rules, putting our children’s health at risk

Last year, a Dan Murphy’s mobile billboard rolled into Byron Bay, parking itself 185 metres from Byron Bay High School. Emblazoned across it read, “Go for a skate while you wait for your Dan Murphy’s order to arrive.”

Editorial 22/06/2022

Policy

How community groups successfully kept alcohol tax cuts out of Federal Budget 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends alcohol taxation as one of the most effective ways to prevent and reduce alcohol harms. Introducing this form of taxation is a double win – not only does it reduce risky alcohol use, but it also increases government revenue through tax, thereby contributing toward services that address alcohol harms.

Editorial 01/06/2022

Person laying on couch looking at a phone with a gambling sports app on the screen

Policy

How digital marketing of alcohol, gambling and junk food harms consumers

Researchers are lifting the lid on online ads for alcohol and other harmful products.

Aimee Brownbill 27/05/2022

Health

Reflections from NOFASD Australia’s FASD Forum

Earlier this month, NOFASD Australia hosted its virtual FASD Forum and explored the theme ‘FASD@50’, commemorating 50 years since FASD was first identified in the literature. Read on for some of the key topics shared by presenters.

Editorial 26/05/2022

Mural of Aboriginal person on a wall in Darwin

Community stories

A story waiting to be told: Darwin community victory against Woolworths

This was a huge community victory. And everyone MUST know this story. That’s why we want to help people in the NT tell the story in their own voice and be heard by the entire world.

Editorial 16/05/2022

Community stories

One year on: Celebrating a monumental community victory in the Northern Territory

Today we celebrate the first anniversary of the community victory against Woolworths and their plan to build an alcohol store outside dry Aboriginal communities in Darwin.

Editorial 29/04/2022

Community stories

Alcohol companies are profiting off our pain

Despite the increasing harms alcohol is causing in Australia, alcohol companies have been lobbying the Government to cut alcohol taxes. As an advocate with her own experience of family violence, Kym shares her reflections.

Kym Valentine 28/03/2022

Young woman sitting on bed, looking away from camera and out of window

Community stories

Gut-wrenching sound of alcohol delivery in an abusive relationship

Alcohol has long been linked to family violence and can increase the frequency and severity of family violence instances. Kym Valentine is an experienced television and theatre actor a member of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council (VSAC), which advises the Victorian Government on family violence policy and the implementation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence recommendations.

Kym Valentine 22/03/2022

Community stories

Corporations must do better if we are to have any chance of building a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Late last year (2021), FARE together with Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, community and health organisations made a submission to an Inquiry about corporate engagement with First Nations people.

Editorial 17/02/2022

Health

Smoking mirrors: Reduce Your Risk campaign highlights links between alcohol and cancer

It is well-known smoking causes cancer. We have heard this information for decades. It’s universally accepted. Common knowledge. What might surprise you is alcohol is also carcinogenic.

Editorial 04/02/2022

Health

Every Moment Matters: The campaign to raise awareness of the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding and FASD

Every Moment Matters emphasises the message that ‘the moment you start trying, is the moment to stop drinking alcohol’

Sarah Ward 27/01/2022

Community stories

2021: The year in review

We are almost at the end of 2021 – and what a year this has been. Together, we elevated the voices of people and communities around Australia who are taking action on alcohol harms. And we made a real difference.

Editorial 21/12/2021

Health

Alcohol use during pregnancy – new campaign

To help increase Australians’ understanding of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, the Australian Government has funded FARE to develop a national awareness campaign

Editorial 16/11/2021

Policy

Abandon the proposed amendment to Queensland’s Liquor Act that makes temporary COVID-19 measures permanent

The COVID-19 Emergency Response – Permanency Amendment Bill fails to consider the overall health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders.

Caterina Giorgi 15/10/2021

Community stories

Our journey: a family living with FASD

Neil Reynolds is Dad to five biological children and four long-term foster children, including two siblings who have been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Neil Reynolds 22/09/2021

Community stories

Celebrating visible health warnings: One year on since community alcohol and pregnancy victory

Seeing mandatory visible health warning labels on all alcohol products was a moment that people with FASD, their families, health groups, and community organisations have been fighting for more than 20 years

Editorial 17/07/2021

Health

Alcohol use among women aged 35-59 years in Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Women living in the Northern Beaches of Sydney are hospitalised due to alcohol at a higher rate than any other region in NSW

Jenna Harkness 23/04/2021

Policy

Removing alcohol from Parliament won’t solve its toxic culture, but it should be part of the approach

Over the weekend, Dr Katie Allen MP and Senator Sarah Henderson raised the possibility of alcohol being restricted or banned at Parliament House.

Caterina Giorgi 31/03/2021

Policy

FARE appears at Senate inquiry on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder 10 March

On Wednesday this week, FARE appeared before a Public Hearing of the Senate Inquiry into ‘Effective approaches to prevention, diagnosis and support for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder’ (FASD).

Rodney Holmes 12/03/2021

Our blog aims to generate meaningful commentary about alcohol policy, and to provide a platform for all members of the Australian community to share their views and concerns.

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Community stories

Health

Policy

Policy

Australian football codes awash with alcohol and gambling sponsorships and marketing

Date August 6, 2026

Australia’s national football codes and clubs are saturated with sponsorship from alcohol and gambling companies.

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Policy

‘We have a responsibility’: Changing sport culture to address gender-based violence

Date August 6, 2026

Advocates, sports players and executives are calling for change in Australia’s alcohol-soaked sporting culture which perpetuates harm to women and children.

Read more »

Policy

Alcohol ads in sport shape our culture and increase harm, we have an opportunity to address it

Date June 10, 2026

Across codes, sports promotion is inseparable from addictive and harmful products like alcohol.

Read more »

Young woman giving hug to her son who has a teddybear while both sitt on a bed. — Policy

Domestic violence spikes on State of Origin game night. Addressing alcohol’s role in sport will make a real difference

Date May 28, 2026

For women and children experiencing gender-based violence across the country, sporting events mean they are at even greater risk.

Read more »

William, in a red jumper, standing in his backyard. — Community stories

William has seen how alcohol and sport are intertwined his entire life. He wants to see change for his son’s wellbeing

Date May 22, 2026

I grew up on a farm near a small town in central NSW. Throughout my childhood I played a range of sports and liked to watch it on TV almost as much.

Read more »

Natalya is pictured standing in front of a park bench on a tiled floor outdoors. Natalya is a woman with light skin, dark hair, and is wearing a large coat and jeans. — Community stories

Natalya’s story: The question that helped her cut out alcohol for good

Date May 15, 2026

After recognising alcohol was having a negative impact on her life, Natalya resolved to choose her health and happiness over what society wanted - and hasn't looked back.

Read more »

Policy

Give us an ad break: Fostering a world where children see less gambling, alcohol and unhealthy food ads

May 8, 2026

From ensuring kids see fewer alcohol, gambling and unhealthy food ads, to better supporting young men, this is how taking action to reduce harmful product advertising can create a better future.

A mum crouching in front of her young son comforting him. — Policy

When profit is protected and prevention is optional, women and children pay the price

Date May 1, 2026

In 2024, National Cabinet made a commitment that should have marked a turning point in how this country approaches the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence.

Read more »

Policy

We stood up against Big Tobacco. Gambling, alcohol and junk food should be next

Date April 24, 2026

This article was first published on Women's Agenda. As the curtain open on this year’s footy season, parents across the country are bracing for the ugly side of sport their kids didn’t sign up to. Betting odds flashed on screen before the first bounce. Alcohol promotions on signs running the...

Read more »

Policy

Political donations: Why gambling and alcohol dollars are a big problem for our democracy

Date March 30, 2026

There should never be a dollar value that buys our democracy. And yet alcohol and gambling companies are donating millions of dollars to Australian political parties in a pattern that peaks just before election time.

Read more »

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Blog

Building evidence to stop harm from online alcohol marketing

When will the season of alcohol and sport end?

Alcohol companies continue to play by their own rules, putting our children’s health at risk

How community groups successfully kept alcohol tax cuts out of Federal Budget 2022

How digital marketing of alcohol, gambling and junk food harms consumers

Reflections from NOFASD Australia’s FASD Forum

A story waiting to be told: Darwin community victory against Woolworths

One year on: Celebrating a monumental community victory in the Northern Territory

Alcohol companies are profiting off our pain

Gut-wrenching sound of alcohol delivery in an abusive relationship

Corporations must do better if we are to have any chance of building a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Smoking mirrors: Reduce Your Risk campaign highlights links between alcohol and cancer

Every Moment Matters: The campaign to raise awareness of the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding and FASD

2021: The year in review

Alcohol use during pregnancy – new campaign

Abandon the proposed amendment to Queensland’s Liquor Act that makes temporary COVID-19 measures permanent

Our journey: a family living with FASD

Celebrating visible health warnings: One year on since community alcohol and pregnancy victory

Alcohol use among women aged 35-59 years in Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Removing alcohol from Parliament won’t solve its toxic culture, but it should be part of the approach

FARE appears at Senate inquiry on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder 10 March

It takes a village: behind the next chapter of Every Moment Matters

The alcohol lobby’s bottle of wine is not an evidence base

Australian football codes awash with alcohol and gambling sponsorships and marketing

‘We have a responsibility’: Changing sport culture to address gender-based violence

Alcohol ads in sport shape our culture and increase harm, we have an opportunity to address it

Domestic violence spikes on State of Origin game night. Addressing alcohol’s role in sport will make a real difference

William has seen how alcohol and sport are intertwined his entire life. He wants to see change for his son’s wellbeing

Natalya’s story: The question that helped her cut out alcohol for good

Give us an ad break: Fostering a world where children see less gambling, alcohol and unhealthy food ads

When profit is protected and prevention is optional, women and children pay the price

We stood up against Big Tobacco. Gambling, alcohol and junk food should be next

Political donations: Why gambling and alcohol dollars are a big problem for our democracy

Blog

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