KATHERINE born Trish Angus has been appointed to a review into alcohol laws in the Northern Territory.
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Justice Trevor Riley will lead the review into NT Alcohol Policies and Legislation.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the experience that the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court brings to the role will drive a comprehensive review on the Territory’s alcohol policies to build safer and more vibrant communities.
“Alcohol related crime and violence costs Territorians upward of $640 million a year and it has to stop,” Ms Fyles said.
A public forum will be held in Katherine some time in May or July to debate the issue.
”Territorians have the right to enjoy safe and vibrant communities,” Ms Fyles said.
“We’ve listened to concerns from experts saying too many of our critical frontline resources are being diverted to deal with problem drinkers and the harm they cause.
“Our Government is taking action, commissioning an Expert Advisory Panel to consider broad policy and legislative matters and I’m so pleased that Justice Riley will chair the Panel.
The Expert Advisory Panel also includes:
Trish Angus, Katherine-born Indigenous woman and former long-term senior NT public servant who is currently on the board of the Top End Health Service
Professor Richard Matthews, recent Deputy Director-General, New South Wales Department of Health
Denys Stedman, Lead Partner at KPMG Northern Territory with extensive experience in providing business advisory services to the tourism, hospitality and liquor industries in the Territory
This is a considerable win for the Territory, with some of the nation’s best minds from the fields of health, industry and justice focused on this critical issue of alcohol abuse,” Ms Fyles said.
The final Terms of Reference announced today will see the Expert Advisory Panel:
- analyse and assess the NT Government’s alcohol policies, their implementation and effectiveness
- consider best practice alcohol policies from other places and how they could apply to the Northern Territory
- advise the NT Government on the development of an evidence-based alcohol harm reduction framework for the Territory including for the safe, family friendly provision within remote communities and considers issues such as size, density and trading hours of alcohol outlets
- consider best practice liquor and related legislation from other places, and how it would translate to the Northern Territory
- advise the Northern Territory Government on reforms that could be considered in relation to the Northern Territory’s Liquor Act that supports transparent decision making, promotes safe and vibrant communities and reduces alcohol related crime.
A report will be provided to the Minister for Health by the end of September with recommendations for:
- evidence based policy initiatives required to reduce alcohol fuelled crime
- ensuring safe and vibrant entertainment precincts
- alcohol service provision and management in remote communities
- decision-making under the Liquor Act
- the density of liquor licences and the size of liquor outlets.
The review will be conducted as an inquiry under the Inquiries Act, reflecting how seriously the Government views the problem of alcohol abuse.
“We consulted Territorians on the Draft Terms of Reference and the Government is pleased to announce these Final Terms of Reference which reflect this consultative process,” Ms Fyles said.
“The Expert Advisory Panel will now conduct broader public consultation. This includes meeting with key stakeholders as well as hearing from Territorians, communities and businesses.”
For further information about the review, visit www.alcoholreview.nt.gov.au
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
