The Charter

DrinkWise Australia is an independent organisation focused on promoting change towards a more responsible drinking culture in Australia. As part of this we aim to minimise the harm and maximise any benefits from alcohol consumption (the ‘Principal Goal’).

In pursuit of the Principal Goal, all associated with DrinkWise Australia share a common commitment and a multi-disciplinary approach. This approach has the support, cooperation and collaboration of many levels of the broader community including individual consumers and the alcohol beverage and hospitality industry.

Promoting responsible alcohol consumption will require an approach that balances industry self-regulation, personal responsibility and legislation. DrinkWise Australia’s approach involves pursuing an effective means of addressing irresponsible drinking while maximising the positive health and social impacts of responsible drinking. This approach will be underpinned by the application of evidence-based policies necessary to influence both adverse patterns of drinking and the harm caused by chronic excessive alcohol intake.

DrinkWise Australia acknowledges that the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Alcohol Guidelines: Health Risks and Benefits provide an initial and appropriate foundation for educating the community on responsible drinking patterns. To maximise results and achieve genuine change, DrinkWise Australia will pursue long-term partnerships with government, community and other key stakeholders.

In pursuit of its Principal Goal, DrinkWise Australia endorses the Dublin Principles of Cooperation Among the Beverage Alcohol Industry, Governments, Scientific Researchers, and the Public Health Community as an appropriate starting point. The Dublin Principles were designed to provide guidance for a mutually acceptable means of cooperation, based on ethical principles and conduct, in a representative cross-section of those concerned with alcohol consumption and its effects.