Gove Peninsula‘s daily booze limits to target alcohol-related harm

Top End community leaders are backing daily booze caps in an effort to build community tolerance and reduce alcohol-related harm.

Nhulunbuy leaders are backing a booze buying overhaul that would remove unlimited sales in an effort to build a “more tolerant community” and reduce alcohol-related harm in the Gove Peninsula.

The NT government on Tuesday announced the Gove Peninsula would start a six-month trial period for a four-tier – rather than six – alcohol sales permit system.

Liquor permit committees in the community issue tiered licences on an individual basis to monitor and restrict how much alcohol a person could purchase daily.

Gumatj leader Djawa Yunupingu said his community had seen the damages caused by alcohol too often.

“We are taking actions to build a better future for this region and we hope all community members understand the role they have to play in this challenging enterprise,” he said.

Rirratjingu leader Mandaka Marika said the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation supported the decision to remove permits for unlimited alcohol sales.

The changes come more than two years after a review of East Arnhem’s alcohol management tabled 15 recommendations to make the community safer.

In 2021, the Gove Peninsula Harmony Group recommended changes to the six-tier system after it found almost half the community thought the program was ineffective.

Dr Ian Crundall – who made a significant research contribution to the Harmony Group’s report – said it was clear the key recommendations had been “taken to heart”.

Dr Crundall said permitting unlimited alcohol purchase was a major driver for secondary supply to people without a permit, and removing this tier was critical.

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Community members are invited to submit feedback throughout the trial, which starts in October and will run until March next year.

The Harmony Group – led by community leaders, key organisations, and Traditional Owners – also recommended culturally appropriate signage advising against secondary supply, regular education alcohol education, a Peninsula Permit Committee, and responsible service of alcohol training.

It is unclear whether the other recommendations have been met.

The trial marks the first community-led alcohol management program since the government issued its blanket opt-in, opt-out rule.

Alcohol Policy Minister Natasha Fyles said locally-based alcohol decisions were the “best decisions”.

“The Gove Peninsula Harmony Group is an example of how communities and government can work together to get the outcome the community wants,” she said.

“The primary objective of these changes is to enhance community safety and combat secondary supply of alcohol, where alcohol purchased legally is distributed to those without permits.”

Originally published as Gove Peninsula‘s daily booze limits to target alcohol-related harm