Booze in the spotlight as govt joins with Movember to tackle domestic violence

Online alcohol delivery is in the spotlight with prevention experts examining sales as the government partners with Movember to tackle domestic violence.

Changing the rules around instant online alcohol delivery services could help tackle domestic and family violence.

That’s an idea being discussed by a panel set up by the federal government to find better ways to reduce gender-based violence. Its review will be released on Friday.

At the same time, the federal government has started a partnership with the Movember Institute of Men’s Health to promote healthy relationships while countering the influence on boys of misogynistic extremists such as Andrew Tate.

It is not clear if the issue of alcohol delivery will be formally addressed in the rapid review report – which is expected to be handed to the government on Thursday before it is released publicly on Friday – or if it will be brought to the next meeting of the national cabinet.

Victim’s advocates have long lobbied for a pause or delay on the delivery of alcohol following an online purchase after hours with a 2022 NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) report finding that an extension to trading hours for takeaway alcohol sales and home delivered alcohol in NSW was associated with a “small but statistically significant” increase in domestic violence assaults.

Experts say changing rules around instant online alcohol delivery services could help tackle domestic and family violence.

The extension in late 2016 permitted bottle shops and alcohol home delivery services in NSW to trade until 11pm, an hour later than was previously allowed. Same day alcohol deliveries can often be made in as little as 30 minutes.

Liquor & Gaming NSW regulations state same day alcohol deliveries can be made between 9am and midnight from Monday to Saturday and 9am and 11pm on Sunday.

Speaking on behalf of the industry, Retail Drinks Australia said they worked closely with government in introducing same day alcohol sale and delivery laws back in 2020 and continue to do so.

“Government data … continues to confirm the longitudinal trend that domestic and non-domestic alcohol-related incidents have been reducing for many years while non-alcohol related incidents have been steadily increasing,” CEO Michael Waters said.

“We do know that alcohol does have some relationship with domestic violence. It’s not a cause but it can be a facilitator,” said Full Stop Australia’s Tara Hunter.

It comes as the government joins forces with Movember to help counter violence against women, improve men’s views of masculinity and combat harmful gender stereotypes.

Recent research has found that 25 per cent of teenage boys in Australia look up to social media personalities such as self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate who perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes and condone violence against women.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the partnership represented a new approach to help end violence against women and children.

“The government is proud to partner with the Movember Institute in encouraging and supporting men to become more involved in ending violence against women and children in one generation,” she said.