The George Institute for Global Health is pleased to respond to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on the Transforming Australian Food Systems: Discussion Paper consultation (the Discussion Paper).

The George Institute commends the CSIRO for undertaking the important work of setting out a vision for the future of Australia’s food systems. While there are deep-rooted challenges facing our food systems, there are also ample opportunities for improvement.

Australia’s food systems are a major driver in some of the biggest intergenerational challenges our nation faces. Diet-related disease and overweight and obesity are two of the top three leading contributors to the burden of disease in Australia. Our food system is responsible for a significant proportion of total greenhouse gas emissions, has one of the highest greenhouse gas emission intensities amongst the largest food-producing nations in the world, and uses significant water and land resources.

All of these trends indicate the inextricable links between food systems, health and the environment, and require significant whole-of-system changes for related challenges to be met. While these are deep-rooted challenges, there is ample opportunity to redress them through a reimagining of the role and function of food systems in Australia. The good news is that these problems are already well-researched, and tangible, achievable and evidence-based solutions are already available. We simply need to act.

The George Institute’s submission has made several key recommendations, including: 

1. Respect and include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ Knowledges in decision making
2. Conduct further consultation with public health and consumer stakeholders on the direction of the Discussion
3. Execute a new vision for 2025 that incorporates key concerns of public health and consumer group
4. Include water in agenda setting for food systems
5. Remove conflicts of interest in food systems regulation
6. Review current indicators to better reflect problems associated with our current food systems and meaningful progress to a healthier, more environmentally sustainable future.

The George Institute for Global Health is pleased to contribute a submission to the Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries on the consultation for the Next Chapter of Western Australia’s Liquor Laws.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the impacts of alcohol consumption into sharp focus. From a health perspective, there is no such thing as a healthy amount of alcohol consumption, yet alcohol use is deeply ingrained in Australian society. It accounts for nearly five percent of our total disease burden and causes 6,000 deaths per year. While there are favourable downward trends, Australians remain heavy drinkers by world standards, consuming 9.5 litres of pure alcohol each per year, and the size and influence of the highly concentrated alcohol industry present challenges for regulators. The community continues to be bombarded with alcohol advertising and marketing tactics, including children, young people and our most vulnerable communities.

The George Institute supports the focus of the Western Australian Government in reforming liquor laws to reduce alcohol consumption and improve health outcomes. The George Institute endorses the key recommendations of Cancer Council Western Australia submission:

1. A minimum (floor) price for alcohol could save lives, cut crime and reduce hospital admissions in WA.
2. Stronger controls on the online sale and home delivery of alcohol will provide better community protections, including for young people.
3. Meaningful community participation in liquor licensing processes is needed to prevent and minimise harm from alcohol.
4. Introduction of mechanisms to ensure effective monitoring and enforcement of WA’s liquor laws.
5. Reduce children and young people’s exposure to alcohol use and marketing through liquor licensing.
6. Our schools and child-focussed venues should be alcohol-free environments.
7. Zero alcohol products present an emerging challenge and should be addressed through WA’s liquor laws.
8. The overall objective of the Liquor Control Act 1988 should be to prevent and minimise harm from alcohol.