23 November 2009

Minister launches material for Aboriginal teenagers and their parents

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, Carmel Tebbutt, and Nathan Merritt, from South Sydney Rabbitohs today launched a new resource for young Aboriginal people and their parents which talks about the risks of dangerous drinking.

“In NSW, one in every six hospitalisations for alcohol related injury is for a young person aged 15 to 24 years,” Ms Tebbutt said.

Ms Tebbutt said the new resource reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“Tackling risk drinking and promoting a responsible drinking culture is a key priority for NSW.

“These new booklets, Guides to dealing with grog for teenagers and parents, aim to educate young Aboriginal people about the risks associated with binge drinking and inform parents of their influence on their children’s attitudes,” Ms Tebbutt said.

“Parents can influence their teenagers’ drinking behaviour by encouraging communication, setting boundaries and showing an example by partaking in low risk drinking themselves.

The booklets were developed in consultation with the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Network and Aboriginal community organisations.

“NSW Health surveys show that risk drinking among adults has fallen from 42.3% in 1997 to 33.8% in 2008.’

“These trends are good news and demonstrate that we are on track to meet our reduction targets, but more still needs to be done to reduce the harm being caused by alcohol use among young people.”

The Minister said today’s announcement builds on NSW Health alcohol education campaigns and resources distributed in 2009 and 2010:

“What are you doing to yourself?” campaign targeting young people who binge drink.

Pocket “Guides to dealing with Alcohol for parents and teenagers” available through Community

Drug Action Teams and drug and alcohol services.

Mr Nathan Merritt is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He has also previously played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Nr Merritt is also Indigenous Australian who grew up on The Block, Redfern.

The Tribal Warrior Association is a non-profit community organisation initiated and directed by Aboriginal people with Aboriginal Elders. The Tribal Warrior Association was established by concerned Aboriginal people with a view to spread and vitalise Aboriginal culture, and to provide economic and social stability.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au