Port Augusta booze ban fails in face of bootleggers, trips to Whyalla, says SA-Best

An Indigenous police unit would be better at fixing alcohol issues than “shortsighted” bans that are easily beaten, SA-Best says.

SA-Best wants an Indigenous police unit in Port Augusta to tackle spiralling anti-

social behaviour.

The call by MLC Frank Pangallo follows a temporary booze ban launched last month to target Indigenous drinkers in the city by Liquor Licensing Commissioner Dini Soulio.

Mr Pangallo said the “shortsighted”, racially-based bans had been avoided by people driving or catching Ubers to Whyalla to buy alcohol, and a thriving bootlegging distribution network.

He said he had written to SAPOL Commissioner, Grant Stevens, after visiting the crime-hit regional centre last week.

Frank Pangallo MLC. Picture: Matt Loxton

“SAPOL could set up a unit made up of Indigenous sworn police officers and

Community Constables, Indigenous Protective Services Officers, Community Policing Specialists and the former K9 dog squad,’’ he said.

“SAPOL must act immediately to address this increase in crime and anti-social behaviour before it spirals out of total control.

“There are obviously a number of significant and complex cultural issues involved, however the community of approximately 14,000 people have a right to feel safe in their own community.

“Currently, that is not the case with many of them extremely concerned about their safety, security and the livelihood of businesses in their regional city.

“Local patrols are no doubt doing what they can, but it is obvious there are not enough SAPOL resources in the area to adequately tackle the issue.

“I have spoken to long-term residents who are contemplating selling up and moving out.

SA Aboriginal Action Group chair Janette Milera said adding to police resources would not solve the issues of the community.

Ms Milera said the group had met with the Premier Steven Marshall, and called for better engagement with the community by the Port Augusta Council and an end to racism within SAPOL.

“A directive from his office followed, which resulted in organisations and government monthly meeting for all service providers working with Aboriginal people in Port Augusta to network better and identify service and delivery gaps,’’ she said.

“Certain government and NGO Services are seen as an problem and need a complete overhaul in staffing.

“Aboriginal culturally appropriate service and delivery needs to be embedded in every organisation.”

The white authorities argue the problems have been caused by people being unable to return home to the APY Lands, which are locked down due to the pandemic, and recent floods making many regional roads out of the town unroadworthy.

SA-Best candidate for Giles, Tom Antonio, said locals had also told him there was also a lot of drug-running to and from Port Pirie and Kadina to Port Augusta – and alcohol-running as well.

“The town continues to have shocking youth and adult incarceration rates and serious substance abuse problems that have become a vicious cycle in the town,” he said.

Originally published as Port Augusta booze ban fails in face of bootleggers, trips to Whyalla, says SA-Best