As the director of the social policy and parliamentary unit, he was involved in creating three reports on alcohol which influenced the Law Commission's findings.
In particular, the unit focused on increasing excise tax, and talking to those harmed by alcohol and what influenced their lives.
Maj Roberts was in Dunedin yesterday to meet Bridge and Oasis Centre staff and told the Otago Daily Times a more comprehensive and balanced alcohol reform package was needed.
If one was not produced, it would become a "significant issue" in next year's election because of the public's growing concern over the matter, he said.
"It's not the wowser mentality of the past ... it's about the significant issue of harm and we want that addressed."
While he agreed with allowing communities to have a greater say in liquor policy for their area, and the review of the purchase age, he believed the 27 Law Commission recommendations the Government did not adopt were "crucial".
Issues which needed to be addressed were the legal blood-alcohol level, taxation, marketing and the sale of alcohol in supermarkets.
"In excess, alcohol is a dangerous drug which does significant harm to people. We tend to be treating alcohol the same way we treat fruit and veges."
He also did not agree with the Government's take on the issue, which saw it as primarily a youth problem.
"Only 7% of dangerous drinking in New Zealand is done by people under 20."
The Salvation Army writes reports on a range of issues including housing, crime and punishment, poverty, care of the aged, gambling, addiction and early childhood education.
These reports focus on research, facts and figures and are used to inform MPs and "crucial lever pullers" in New Zealand.
Maj Roberts said it was a powerful way to change and speak to national policies and allowed the organisation to help find solutions to the problems people faced.
Justice Minister Simon Power intended to introduce the Alcohol Reform Bill to Parliament in October.
It would then go to a select committee for consideration, during which time submissions could be made.
Mr Power intends to have the Bill made into law before the end of National's parliamentary term.
