I’m sceptical of the “booze epidemic”, particularly as I’ve been unable to find anything justifying the claim. But now something authoritative has come to light. According to AAP:
The NSW auditor-general’s report found there were 20,475 alcohol-related assaults (ARAs) statewide in the 2006-07 financial year.
The figure has risen steadily through the early 2000s from the 10,305 ARAs recorded in 1997-98, according to the report released.
That’s a significant increase, even allowing for some population growth, and is way ahead of being proportionate to any increase in alcohol consumption by any group that I’ve seen in anything that’s been put forward to justify the “booze epidemic”. In fact, as this, according to the police, is related to licensed premises, and as the “epidemic” is alleged to be occurring amongst underage drinkers, it’s an even larger percentage increase.
What do the Auditor’s General in other states say? Is a similar increase evident in other states? If not, and assuming that alcohol consumption patterns are relatively homogenous across Australia, that would indicate issues specific to New South Wales, and not necessarily specific to increased consumption at all.
Which means I’ve probably talked my way out of my headline being correct.
Ones knowledge of human nature is also testimony…if one has lived long enough. As stressful times come up cultures so do people turn to alcohol and drugs to get away from the personal troubles they have. I saw it happen in my life many years ago before I became a born again christian and have heard so many testimonies from others who went through similar hard times and dealt with it in a silly careless manner. Once that rotten booze bites it can be difficult to get set free. They dont call it the demon grog for nothing. A “set free” kind of christian ministry will tell you to your face that its really a spiritual problem…and it is. This is where Jesus Christ does one of HIS finest works setting people free from addiction. HE came to set the captive free when we turn to Him in prayer. One doesnt need a huge collection of reports to know of people and of what hard times bring to the ordinary man and woman…and it seems to the teens of a generation without much hope.
Comment by gibo — April 25, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
…come upon cultures…I meant.
Comment by gibo — April 25, 2008 @ 9:54 pm
NSW is a dysfunctional State anyway,so why would we be surprised that not only it has law/order problems and stresses due to chaos,lack of discipline,tax rip offs,fines,over regulation,Govt corruption,ill planning,no infrastructure,that many do turn to alcohol as a release from the tension.
It would be better that we had a slightly corrupt Joh Bejelkie Peterson Govt who actually got things done,than this farce for Govt whose impotence is only out shone by their stupidity and self interest.There is no shame or remorse,just blatent self indulgence.
Comment by Arjay — April 25, 2008 @ 11:19 pm
Maybe if Labor cant manage the States they might feel it better that the people are bombed out on booze rather than aware of Labors failings.
Comment by gibo — April 26, 2008 @ 9:56 am