The Coalition has raised the stakes in the fight to win over working families, vowing to block key Labor measures to raise money from the public.
The Opposition will vote down the tax-hike on alcopops in the Senate, and is also promising to cut petrol excise by 5 cents a litre.
Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has told 2GB’s Alan Jones, kids who buy pre-mixed drinks won't be dissuaded by higher prices.
“So they’ll find some other form of alcohol to purchase – so the kids will chip in and buy a bottle of vodka,” he argued.
“There’ll be no measured dose of alcohol in that. Or they’ll go on to wine-based products. Or some kids will start to look at the cost of ecstasy tablets or other things.”
But Health Minister Nicola Roxon says Dr Nelson is obviously out of touch.
“I’m surprised that Dr Nelson wants to isolate himself as the only person in the country who doesn’t think binge drinking is a problem,” she said.
“We believe that this change in tax on alcopops will be part of the solution and we’re combining that with a strategy of engaging sporting clubs and community leaders.”
