NT Opposition leader Gary Higgins says today’s unveil of the appointed Liquor Commission does not go far enough to keep Territorians safe.
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The Northern Territory Alcohol Policies and Legislation Review, handed down in October 2017, made a strong recommendation of introducing liquor inspectors, he said.
Mr Higgins said that the liquor (licensing) inspectors, which would operate at takeaway alcohol outlets should be recruited and introduced as a priority.
“Prior to, and during February parliamentary sittings, I offered the Opposition’s support to government to commence advertising for liquor inspectors.
“While Territorians wait for the introduction of liquor inspectors, alcohol related crime continues to increase.
“The most recent crime statistics (comparison 31/12/2016 to the year ended 31/12/2017) show an increasingly worrying trend in alcohol related assaults, which have increased more than 19 per cent across the Northern Territory, including more than 45 per cent in Palmerston, more than 20 per cent in Tennant Creek, over 22 per cent in Katherine and over 25 per cent in Alice Springs.
“Relying on the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) is not enough.
“I continue my calls for the Labor government to introduce liquor inspectors at takeaway alcohol outlets as a priority.
The NT Government has announced members of its new Liquor Commission.
Attorney-General Natasha Fyles said there’s too much alcohol fuelled crime and violence in the Northern Territory and this Liquor Commission is the first step in tackling that.
“We are bringing in a suite of measures to reduce alcohol related harm, in line with the Riley Review into the Territory’s alcohol policy and legislation.
Minister Fyles said re-establishing the Liquor Commission was a key recommendation of the Riley Review.
Minister Fyles today announced prominent legal practitioner Richard Coates as Chair of the new Liquor Commission.
The Commission will operate as an independent statutory authority with extensive powers to regulate liquor licensing while the NT Liquor Act is being overhauled.
A detailed response to the Riley Review outlining proposed changes to the liquor Act is expected later this month.
Liquor Commission membership includes:
- Chair Mr Richard Coates
- Deputy Chair Ms Jodi Truman
- Mr Russell Goldflam
- Dr Rob Parker
- Mr Kenton Winsley
- Mr Ross Coburn
- Mr Lindsay Carmichael
- Dr Charles Douglas
- Ms Pauline Reynolds
- Ms Sandra Cannon
- Mrs Amy Corcoran
- Mr Blair McFarland
- Ms Christine Hart
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.
