Tennant Creek alcohol restrictions likely to remain in force long term

‘TEMPORARY’ alcohol restrictions limiting grog purchases to three hours a day as well as capping the amount of alcohol that can be bought are likely to remain in force in Tennant Creek for the long term

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull meets a local during his two-day visit to Tennant Creek. Picture: AAP/Dan Himbrechts

“TEMPORARY” alcohol restrictions limiting grog purchases to three hours a day as well as capping the amount of alcohol that can be bought are likely to remain in force in Tennant Creek for the long term.

The restrictions were initially brought in as an “emergency” measure in February following the rape of a two-year-old girl and have been extended several times since then.

Most recently, the restrictions were extended in June until the end of the year.

Under the restrictions, no takeaway alcohol can be sold on Sunday.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull meets local kids as he rides along in a Julalikari Youth Night Patrol convoy on Sunday night. Picture: AAP/Dan Himbrechts

The first day of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s long-awaited visit to Tennant Creek came on Sunday, during which he joined the night youth patrol.

Indigenous Affairs Minister and Territory CLP Senator Nigel Scullion said at the time of their introduction, he was sceptical the alcohol restrictions would make a difference.

“It seemed to be party time, not restriction time,” he said.

But Mr Scullion said he had changed his mind.

“Tennant Creek is a remarkably different place than it was around the time of that most recent tragedy,” he said.

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In its latest decision to extend the restrictions, the NT Liquor Commission reported the limitations were largely supported by the community.

Rehabilitation service providers and the town’s women’s shelter have both reported steep drops in demand for their services.

Some of the reduction was attributed to problem boozers moving elsewhere so they could continue to drink.

More of those problem drinkers could be about to exit Tennant Creek, after Mr Scullion said he would consider a plan to grant the cultural authority the power to ban “troublemakers” from the region.

As his visit to the town wound up yesterday, Mr Turnbull said he was not “shocked” by conditions in Tennant Creek, but “inspired” by the resilience of its residents.

A “regional deal” bringing together different levels of government and community groups could help Tennant Creek solve its problems, Mr Turnbull said.

“It is doing what people always say governments should do, which is work together rather than criticising each other, so it’s very well received,” he said.

“Everyone’s got good intentions but without co-ordination you can be like ships passing in the night.”

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Mr Turnbull said shortages of public housing were the biggest problems facing the town.

Wait periods for NT Government-controlled public housing stretch up to eight years in Tennant Creek.

NT Shelter chief executive Peter McMillan said he was “heartened” to hear Mr Turnbull’s comments and by the commitment to bring groups together.

“Housing needs to be a central element in any regional deal that is negotiated, given the enormity of challenges faced with overcrowding, homelessness and an absence of sufficient public housing,” Mr McMillan said.

Another nine public houses are planned to be built in Tennant Creek in the next year.