Jenny Mikakos causes party rift after striking out on own
Jenny Mikakos has sparked a rift within the Victorian Labor Party after the Health Minister struck out on her own and refused to budge on a hot-button issue.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A rift has emerged within the state government after Health Minister Jenny Mikakos pushed ahead with new alcohol warnings for pregnant women despite opposition from senior members of cabinet.
A meeting of Australian and New Zealand health ministers last month voted that it be mandatory for alcohol suppliers to use new red and white labels to warn about the dangers of alcohol to babies during pregancy.
The contentious topic was at the centre of months of campaigning between advocates against foetal alcohol syndrome and the alcohol industry which warned that the costs would be prohibitive.
Figures within Labor, including those from regional areas, had been in favour of a middle-ground “contrast” label favoured by the alcohol industry because of its lower costs.
Representations were made by senior leaders within the government to companies that the government preferred the contrast option.
But it is understood Ms Mikakos refused to endorse any decision other than the red and white label.
Sources said Ms Mikakos would not be swayed by attempts to change her mind or her vote.
The brightly-coloured labels were passed in a 6-4 ballot and Victoria proved to be decisive in the ouctome.
Alcohol companies were left blindsided by the result after believing they had been reassured by the Victorian government it would vote for a less expensive contract option.
“Its safe to say there were mixed messages to the industry and between senior ministers,” one source said.
“In the end the issue became quite heated and some people just wanted it to be over and done with.” A Victorian government spokesperson said there was “continuing evidence that many women still consume alcohol while pregnant”, which was why the government supported the mandatory warning labels.
“In response to some concerns expressed by the industry, FSANZ has made a number of adjustments including extending the implementation period from two years to three years and changing ‘Health Warning’ to ‘Pregnancy Warning’.”
MORE NEWS
ELDERLY LEFT AT DEATH’S DOOR IN ST BASIL’S NIGHTMARE
LOCKED AND LOADED: GOVT TO PULL TRIGGER ON STAGE 4