Introduction to the Australian Medical Association.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) aims to protect as well as promote the professional interests of doctors and the community's health care needs. They advocate on behalf of their members at all State and Federal levels of government by challenging government on policies that may harm the interests of patients and then developing alternate policies by conducting research on the health issues incorporated. They work alongside government to provide expert medical advice on health issues. The AMA protects the wellbeing and independence as well as the industrial and political interests of medical practitioners. .
Alcohol-Related Violence.
This submission addresses the increasing trepidations of alcohol abuse resulting in violent acts. A study conducted by the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) has found that one out of every eight deaths and one in five hospitalisations in Australia of people aged under 25 is related to the abuse of alcohol. One in four Australians have have been verbally abused as a result of alcohol consumption. This could be a result of the fact that sixty-six per cent of 18-29 year old Australians "drink specifically to get drunk" (Mower, 2013). The volume of alcohol-related violence and injuries appearing within communities is appalling. The social, economic and health costs associated with these figures cannot be allowed to continue. Research has proven that alcohol consumption is associated with acts of violent acts, and assaults have been highly concentrated in close proximity to licenced premises such as clubs and bars (Burgess and Moffatt, 2011). Due to these findings and figures, the AMA is proposing that the Queensland Government review the Safe Night Out Legislation Amendment Act 2014. The Australian Medical Association has extensive research that suggests that it would be prudent to enforce the earlier closing of pubs and clubs in an effort to reduce alcohol-related violence and injuries within communities, further resulting in the wellbeing and professional interests of medical practitioners and the effectiveness of the public health system.