Michelle Jongenelis
When the WA Government announced the appointment of Australia’s first dedicated Minister for Preventative Health, the public health community praised the move. Finally, a government in Australia was taking prevention seriously.
Fast forward 12 months and nothing could be further from the truth. While other states have been quick to introduce enhanced tobacco control laws to combat a rise in illicit cigarettes and future-proof against emerging nicotine products, WA’s update is moving at a snail’s pace.
However, at least WA’s response to tobacco is moving in the right direction. The same cannot be said for its response to alcohol – a primary cause of death and disease.
The recent decision to allow full-strength beer to be sold at Optus Stadium beggars belief and reverses the decision made in 2017, when Premier Cook (then WA Health Minister) said “Governments have to make decisions that protect everyone at the event.”
It seems a decision has now been made to remove those protections, most likely the result of heavily lobbying from the alcohol industry.
The reasons given for reversing the decision – while numerous – make little sense.
The first reason is that the changes bring Optus Stadium in line with the MCG and SCG as well as Perth’s RAC Arena and other major international venues.
Rather than acting on their promise to ensure Western Australians live in the healthiest state in the nation, the Government has decided it is too hard to argue with the alcohol industry. They had a chance to boldly lead in the area of alcohol-related harm and have instead chosen to just do what other stadiums do.
The second reason is to “deliver the best possible experience for fans by offering more choice”. Just not if you’re a family or non-drinker. Unfortunately, if you fall into those categories then your game-day ticket will include the ‘dealing with public intoxication’ surprise package.
Another reason appears to be that the current two-tiered system is unfair – those in premium corporate areas can consume full-strength alcohol but those in general seating cannot. Removing full-strength alcohol from the premium corporate areas could have solved that one.
The following quote from the executive director of strategy, brand, and hospitality at Gage Roads is telling: “It’s a simple change that genuinely lifts the experience for everyone.”
Does it though? Do people really not enjoy a sporting event unless they have full-strength beer in their hands? And – yet again – we seem to be forgetting that ‘everyone’ includes families and non-drinkers who really are going to the footy to – shock horror – watch the footy.
But their opinion and the opinion of public health experts don’t count. According to Optus Stadium, the “comprehensive review and consultation process” with key stakeholders included “suppliers and hirers” – those who stand to make a hefty profit from the change.
Perhaps most concerning is that this decision by the Government (made in consultation with Police and the Department of Health) may be a sign of things to come.
Conspicuously absent from the Government’s media release announcing the “first ever WA Preventative Health Strategy” was any mention of alcohol.
According to the media release “Several preventative health topics will be discussed, such as ways to boost screening and vaccination rates, promoting healthy eating and active living, injury prevention, and a public health approach to the prevention of tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping.”
Notice anything missing?
With alcohol consumption linked to death, disease, and domestic violence, it is incomprehensible that the prevention of alcohol-related harm isn’t high on the agenda (and appears to be missing from the agenda entirely).
The message is clear – preventive health is important, just not when it comes to alcohol.
Prof Michelle Jongenelis is Director, Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, at The University of Melbourne
This article was first published in The West Australian on 4/2/2026.
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