CLP slam NT government’s approach to alcohol treatment program

More than 3000 Territorians undertook alcohol and drug treatment assessments last year. Read why the opposition say the government have dropped the ball on reducing alcohol-related harm.

The Country Liberal Party has committed to an analysis of the Territory’s drug and alcohol treatment programs, and doubled down on their promise for compulsory rehabilitation if elected.

In response to written questions on the issues, the government revealed 3164 individuals were assessed for alcohol and drug treatment programs in the 2022-23 financial year.

However in answer to follow up questions about how many people were referred to a subsequent program, the response said: “assessment outcomes form part of the person’s health record which is not collected in the AOD NMDS for reporting purposes.”

Deputy Opposition Leader Gerard Maley described the government’s handling of treatment

as “a mess.”

Gerard Maley said the CLP’s approach to alcohol and drug treatment would be vastly different. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“They’ve given numbers, but it’s clear they don’t have a clue about what really matters – whether people are getting better,” he said.

“They say they’re collecting data, but it’s just about activities, not if someone is actually doing well or not.”

In responding to the written answers, Mr Maley reaffirmed his party’s position on bringing back compulsory alcohol rehabilitation, which attracted some opposition when announced in July last year.

“If elected there will be a full analysis of drug and alcohol programs because Territorians cannot afford for these programs to lack accountability and results,” he said.

Mr Maley said the government had little detail when it came to addressing the need for a trial of a managed alcohol program.

“(The trial) remains shrouded in bureaucratic inertia,” he said.

“The government’s casual response to determining the model and location is an insult to those desperately awaiting urgent solutions.”

Alcohol policy minister Brent Potter said the government was working with stakeholders and industry experts to reduce alcohol-related harm through new legislation and supporting programs targeted at youth substance abuse.

Alcohol policy minister Brent Potter said the government are focused on breaking the cycle of alcohol-related crime. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“At the end of last year we made changes to the Alcohol Harm Reduction Amendment Bill 2023 (which) means our hardworking police have more powers to place people on the Banned Drinker Register, by providing them with a Banned Drinker Order through enhanced pathways,” he said.

“While people are on a BDO they get immediate helps and referral to alcohol programs - unlike the CLP who don’t want to deal with the problem.”

Mr Potter said strengthening police powers was key to breaking the cycle of alcohol-related harm and crime.

He said grant funding was also being delivered to organisations around the Territory, including in remote areas.