Review into the treatment of women at the Australian Defence Force ...

Chapter 8: Midshipmen and Cadets are Young People and Future Leaders – Recommendations 16-18• Banning of drinks with high alcohol, caffeine or guarana content 59• Undergraduates have undertaken steps to clarify how to manage intoxicated persons,including creation of an ‘Actions on Suspected Intoxicated Person’ flowchart and ‘ACM BarIncident Log’ 60• Direct liaison with local nightclub and hotel managers• Direct liaison with ACT Beat Police• Liaison with the Australian Drug Foundation – Good Host and Good Sports programs.Audit findingsRecommendation 18 a)This holistic approach to alcohol management at ADFA is vital in achieving meaningful change in theuse of alcohol. The comprehensive approach outlined above and the steps implemented evidence aconcerted effort on the part of ADFA to address the problem of excessive alcohol consumption. 61Prices have been reviewed and most have been increased. Whether this measure in and of itselfminimises risk is still open to question and should be carefully monitored.This is particularly important in light of undergraduate and staff comments during the Audit’sconsultations at ADFA. The Audit commonly heard that the price changes are ineffective becauseundergraduates are paid highly and have few expenses, which means they are able to easily afford thehigher prices. The Audit was told thatyou could charge [undergraduates] $10 a beer, they’d still have enough money to get drunk. 62The increase in price hasn’t really changed it that much. They’ve increased it, but we’re all ona decent salary here. 63Further, the Audit heard that price changes do not necessarily address the problem as undergraduateswill choose to drink alcohol off base where their drinking is more difficult to monitor or supervise. Forexample, the Audit heard that:One of those unintended consequences is that people drink outside the Academy and thenyou’re not really under the supervision of all the security people that they have around, andstaff. 64Increasing the alcohol prices at the messes doesn’t make any huge difference because it justpushes the problem elsewhere because [city establishments] will then lower their prices and havehappy hour so they all go there first. 65While the Audit commends ADFA on its comprehensive response to this issue, ADFA should continue tomonitor whether the increased prices are minimising risks associated with over consumption of alcoholand develop further strategies if required.Recommendation 18 b)Prior to 2011 alcohol testing was conducted infrequently however in 2012 ADFA increased testing toa level that is unparalleled in previous years.The increase in alcohol testing is significant as shown by these figures:• 2010 – 28 Targeted tests 66• 2011 – 824 Random and Targeted tests• 2012 – 5,006 Random and Targeted tests. 6774