The government spends more than double the amount raised in tax revenue from alcohol products on treating alcohol-related problems.
A new study revealed an estimated A$7 billion was raised in tax in 2010, compared to the more than A$14 billion spent by the government. Over 10% of the spending was attributed to health-related harm, and a further 20% were costs to the criminal justice system.
The researchers proposed that a greater proportion of the government revenue generated from alcohol taxation should instead be directed to diversion and prevention strategies.
Read more at Australian Institute of Criminology