A longitudinal study of influences on alcohol consumption and related harm in Central Australia, with a particular emphasis on the role of price

This project examined the long-term impact of alcohol control measures on indicators of alcohol-related harm in Central Australia. It was found that there was a significant reduction in alcohol consumption over the period 2000–2010. The control measures that had the greatest impact on consumption were those that were related to price: either indirectly, such as banning of low-cost beverages such as cask table and fortified wine, or directly such as the so-called ‘alcopops tax’. However, the study also showed that price was not the only variable impacting on consumption and related harm, and that a comprehensive supply, demand and harm reduction strategy was needed to further reduce harmful levels of alcohol use in Central Australia.