Community Consultations began this week for the Territory Labor governments Alcohol Policy and Legislation Review.
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Consultations will take place in Katherine on July 19.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles said alcohol was the biggest social issue facing our community and it affected every Territorian.
“We recognise that alcohol plays a role in many people’s social and recreational lives and Territorians have every right to drink responsibly,” Ms Fyles said
“Sadly though, Territorians are paying more than $640 million (2009) every year to address alcohol related crime, violence, injury and death and that has to stop - every Territorian has the right to live in safe and vibrant communities.
“The Territory Labor government has made it very clear that it will tackle the crime and violence caused by problem drinkers and alcohol abuse in the Territory. We have listened to Territorians concerns about the negative impact of alcohol abuse and we are taking action,” she said.
“Since coming to government we have:
- Worked efficiently across agencies to bring back the Banned Drinker Register by September 1 – something police said is the best tool they have for tackling crime
- Imposed a moratorium on new takeaway liquor licences (except in exceptional circumstances) - October 2016
- Strengthened legislation to ensure Sunday trade remains limited - November 2016
- Limited the floor space for take away alcohol stores - December 2016
- Introduced new Guidelines for liquor licensing to allow for public hearings - February 2, 2017”
Minister Fyles is urging Territorians to have their say on alcohol policy and legislation at the public meetings being held across Central Australia and the Top End over the coming months.
“This is a whole-of-Territory issue and we need to hear from all sectors to develop the best policies possible,” she said.
“The Review’s Expert Panel - led by former Chief Justice Trevor Riley - will consult with Territorians to:
- 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"
Community Consultations began in Nhulunbuy today with sessions in Darwin and Palmerston tomorrow.
Territorians are also urged to have their say via an online submission at AODD.DOH@nt.gov.au.
The expert panel will report to government by the end of September with a series of recommendations.
For the current schedule of community consultations go here.
To view the Issues Paper go here.
