Halt to alcohol study political 'manipulation'

Not completing research which shows a majority of respondents favoured stricter alcohol controls constitutes a manipulation of the political process, says Prof Jennie Connor, head of preventive and social medicine at the University of Otago.

In 2010, the Ministry of Health commissioned research into the public's views on alcohol reform, but the work was not completed when Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne did not approve a peer review.

Mr Dunne told the Otago Daily Times the survey only confirmed what was already known through public opinion, thus there was no point wasting money completing an academic process.

He put the onus on the Health Sponsorship Council, the government agency which carried out the research, saying the council could have released the survey anyway, and he understood it had gone ahead and had it peer reviewed, which the council disputes.

The survey, which has now surfaced, found 82% favoured tighter control on alcohol advertising and promotion; 59% supported banning alcohol sponsorship of events young people were likely to attend; 78% supported returning the minimum purchase age to 20; 66% favoured reducing opening hours of licensed premises; and 57% supported increased alcohol prices.

Prof Connor said the survey was vital evidence revealing what New Zealanders wanted from the Government's alcohol reform.

It appeared to contradict reported statements by Prime Minister John Key that New Zealanders were not in favour of a radical shake-up, she said.

The $10,000 or so needed for a peer review could not be the issue, as the amount was tiny in terms of the health budget, and in any case many academics would have done the work for free, she said.

Alcohol awareness campaigners were surprised at the "blatant" manipulation of the process.

"It has deliberately interfered with a fair process."

She believed the "educated public" was becoming disillusioned with the political process because of the cynicism of politicians.

"People know they are being manipulated, and so when you have some evidence you are being manipulated it's disappointing. It makes you feel heartsick, but it's not shocking really."

Methodist Mission chief executive Laura Black, of Dunedin, said the survey showed New Zealanders knew in their "bones" stricter controls were needed.

"For once, New Zealand public opinion is aligned with the science," she said.

- eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz