On the Hill: advocacy on alcohol harms and microplastics
During the last week, AMA representatives have spoken at Parliament House on two key issues affecting the health of Australians.
First up, AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen addressed the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability as part of its inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia.
Drawing on her experience as a GP, Dr McMullen called for a shift toward evidence‑based, health‑focused responses, telling the committee that “people who experience the harms of alcohol and other drugs need our help and support, not condemnation”.
Dr McMullen reinforced the critical role of doctors and addiction medicine specialists, calling for sustained investment in the workforce and long‑term funding for community‑led prevention and treatment programs.
The inquiry aims to release its report in the second half of 2026.
The federal AMA’s submission, and subsequent letter at the time of the re-referral of the inquiry, can be found on the committee website.
Later in the week, AMA Vice‑President Associate Professor Julian Rait spoke at a Senate committee hearing about the need to reduce avoidable exposure to microplastics while research and surveillance are increased into possible health effects.
A/Prof Rait addressed the Senate Community Affairs References Committee’s inquiry into the impact of microplastics and other toxic environmental exposures on human health, alongside the National Rural Health Alliance.
He told the committee that despite growing concern about microplastics, PFAS and other persistent contaminants, which are detected in food, water, air and human tissues, there was limited understanding of their long‑term effects.
A/Prof Rait emphasised that uncertainty does not equal safety, warning that waiting for definitive causal proof before acting is not a good approach to preventive health, particularly given the long latency of many chronic diseases.
He acknowledged emerging associations between these exposures and numerous health conditions, particularly in pregnancy, early childhood and the first 1000 days of life, however, with exposure largely involuntary and remediation difficult, a prevention‑focused, systems‑based response should be considered.
A/Prof Rait urged action to reduce avoidable exposure while strengthening research, regulation and surveillance, supported by clear and balanced communication for clinicians and the public.
