Shipping containers carrying cases with cans of incredible wurms...

[threedimensions]

Now we’re in trouble - the war without a reason
Flags lay in tatters - the end of huntin’ season
Outside the country is drying up and bleeding
I’m in my bedroom trying to fight the noise in my head

Short term government policy is shooting three "pirates" to save a ship's captain held hostage for $$$.  Long term policy is addressing the rampant poverty

Comments

[disclord]

YES

I agree with you completely, this is brilliant. Let's send it to all politicians, in fact, aerial drop it all over Canberra.

[threedimensions]

although that sounds fun and radical - I'm afraid "courageous" political decisions are "career ending" ones.

but it's a nice dream....

hope all is well.

[sour_milk_sea]

what makes you say that the alcopops tax increase didn't work?

[threedimensions]

Only anecdotal evidence Cowgirl, but a relatively logical proposition.

I thought the alcopops tax was introduced to curb binge drinking - specifically teenage binge drinking.

One might suggest that a partial tax merely shifts drinking patterns - for example, purchasing a bottle of non-mixed spirits, or consuming beer.

I also notice that certain producers have strongly promoted citrus flavoured beers - which I understand do not attract the alcopops tax. (incidentally - I haven't tried a good one yet).

I'm not convinced shifting the drinking patterns of teenagers (as opposed to reducing them), or shifting the product focus of alcohol companies, is a success.

Although I know where this argument is going - a prohibitive tax on all forms of alcohol would do the trick... except a new habit will enevitably take its place. Oh, and the wider community won't wear it.

[sour_milk_sea]

The evidence suggests that consumption of alcopops fell significantly, and that not all of that fall translated into an increase in consumption of other forms of alcohol.

Your proposition (that an increase in the price of alcopops leads to an increase in the consumption of other forms of alcohol) rests on the assumption that alcopops and other forms of alcohol are perfect substitutes. They're not.

http://petermartin.blogspot.com/2009/03/shock-prices-affect-behaviour.html

[threedimensions]

"It shows only about half the drop in alcopop consumption translated into increased sales of beer and spirits."

Doesn't that also assume the two are perfect substitutes?

mehhhh time to tune into other matters... like how have i lost another toothbrush?