The federal government has again sought to place pressure on Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson over the passage of its proposed alcopops tax through the Senate.
The coalition has flagged it will oppose a raft of Labor's budget measures, including a tax hike on ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, aimed at curbing binge drinking.
Without coalition support, Labor needs to convince the seven balance of power senators - independent Nick Xenophon, Family First's Steve Fielding, and five Australian Greens - to back its legislation.
Senator Xenophon has indicated he is likely to block the so-called alcopops tax without major changes to the policy.
Asked if Senator Xenophon's stance meant the alcopops tax was dead in the water in its current form, Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the fate of the legislation was in Dr Nelson's hands.
"No, this is still clearly a decision that should be made by Dr Nelson," Ns Roxon told reporters in Perth.
"If Dr Nelson would actually get on board he could help us tackle what is a serious social problem in the community."
Ms Roxon said the tax office reported a 23 per cent reduction in spirit sales since the measure was put in place.
"That is a lot of alcohol in anybody's terms and I think Dr Nelson should reconsider his position," she said.
"Of course we'll talk with all of the senators, but ultimately it will be on Dr Nelson's head if this measure is not supported, and he needs to start explaining what the health impact will be if he stops this measure going ahead."
Ms Roxon said the government already had been talking with the five Greens and two independent senators, but would not outline which aspects of the tax were up for negotiation.
