Kevin Rudd’s appearance on Q & A last night proved that he is truly out of touch with young Australians, calling for an increase in the drinking age to 21. 

The evidence from the Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol were commissioned by the Government to advise on responsible alcohol consumption.  Yet this advice fails to meet with the Prime Minister’s own views, and as such he’s chosen to disregard it. 

The guidelines advise that for people under 18, not drinking alcohol is the safest option, however, those under 15 are at greatest risk.  Nowhere in there is there a recommendation to increase the legal age for drinking to 21. 

Yet caught on the hop, Kevin Rudd made it clear that his Utopian vision of a nanny state would see the legal age for drinking raised to 21. 

Binge drinking occurs across every age bracket.  Increasing awareness and providing support to address the causes would be far more beneficial.

Encouraging moderation is the way to go.  Young people need to be aware of their own limits and the possible consequences of drinking to excess but by the age of 18 they are responsible enough to make their own choices.