THE Just Think anti-binge drinking message continues to gain momentum with Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon telling her parliamentary colleagues it is making a difference.

Speaking during Question Time in Canberra yesterday Ms Roxon said the campaign, launched by The Cairns Post and other News Ltd newspapers including the Geelong Advertiser, was raising awareness about the links between alcohol and violence.

"I want to congratulate those newspapers for being prepared to take a lead within their community to raise this issue, particularly for the sake of young people," she said.

"It is not a message that says 'You can't go out and have a good time'; it is a message that says, 'Just think about what you are doing and make sure you take care in the circumstances when you are drinking'. I think they are running a really good campaign.

"We need to do all we can to raise awareness that these sorts of issues can cause harm in the community."

Ms Roxon was responding to a question from Cairns-based Leichhardt MP Jim Turnour, who has on several occasions raised the merits of the Just Think message with his federal colleagues.

"I wanted to make the minister aware of the campaign because I think it is a good example of what can be done at the local level to raise people's awareness of binge drinking and the damage it can do to individuals and communities," Mr Turnour said.

Ms Roxon said excessive drinking was a concern across the nation.

"In any given week, approximately one in 10 12-17 year olds is binge drinking or drinking at risky levels," she said.

"This is not young adults; this is 12-17 year olds."

The Health Minister urged the Opposition to also support the Just Think message.

Share this article