Wadeye workers threaten walk-off as new grog bans hit

One of the service providers at Wadeye impacted by grog bans expects workers to quit en masse. Read why they’re serious.

The NT government is scrambling to minimise damage from new liquor bans in Wadeye as contractors in the community express their fury at the changes.

A meeting of contractors on Wednesday morning became heated as the implications of the ban on heavy grog sunk in.

And despite government claiming they consulted with contractors in the community, Aboriginal-owned corporation Thamarrurr Development Corporation said there was zero consultation.

TDC deputy chief executive Tracey Leo said the government presented TDC with a discussion paper on February 2 that detailed the proposals.

TDC’s executive advised government it would take the proposal to the next board meeting on February 28, but in the meantime government issued an edict on February 22 that volumetric changes and alcohol strength bans would be introduced from March 1.

“The locals weren’t aware this was coming,” Ms Leo said.

“TDC and other service delivery groups were advised on February 2 about the proposed changes in the form of a discussion paper and the government was aware the board meeting was happening today.

“The executive management of TDC is not authorised to provide comment or feedback without consultation with the board.”

Ms Leo said the changes would impact TDC’s Wadeye workforce of about 200 people.

“It’s going to impact workforce and from our position, while we absolutely support that there needs to be measures to address secondary sale of alcohol from the black market, we don’t believe what’s been introduced is the right mechanism.

“That’s evidenced by the fact police have not been able to manage the flow of illegal alcohol coming in and there’s certainly no resources to police this new system.

“It’s not going to achieve what it’s set out to achieve. It can be stressful working here with the violence and general feeling of not being safe. There’s no club or pubs but catching up at a mate’s place for a few beers is how people relax. To take away the one thing they have is silly.”

The NT News reported on Tuesday the government had introduced volume measures for permit holders in the community and banned heavy grog.

The minister or a departmental representative declined to be interviewed or respond to specific questions and provided only a written statement late Wednesday.

The NT News forwarded a series of questions to Licensing NT seeking details on the impacts of secondary supply in the community and the role of contractors in distributing sly grog.

Modelling showing the potential impacts of the ban was also requested but not supplied.

This publication sought details on how many instances of secondary supply had occurred in Wadeye, how many arrests had taken place and how many prosecutions.

The government's written reply said it was adopting “a suite of measures” aimed at restricting alcohol in communities.

“Following a spate of secondary supply incidents in the community leading to one person being charged with secondary supply, Licencing NT reviewed the current operation and effectiveness of Liquor Permits in Wadeye in conjunction with NT Health, NT Police and Traditional Owners,” the statement said.

“The senior director of licensing also travelled to Wadeye earlier this month to consult with the community.”

New booze bans shock tradies in remote community

Tradies working in Wadeye are threatening to leave the already troubled community after liquor licensing moved to tighten the flow of permit alcohol into the town.

Non-local labour employed to work in Wadeye and able to access alcohol permits that exempt them from grog bans said they were shocked at the latest changes, which include a ban on heavy beer and spirits.

Workers received an email on Friday telling them that from March 1 their weekly grog allocation had been changed.

The changes are part of a wider suite of measures introduced to stem alcohol-related harm in the community and make light and mid-strength alcohol more available for community residents.

Liquor Licensing NT's Michelle Ganzer visiting Wadeye.

The changes include volume measures and opportunities for Wadeye residents to obtain alcohol permits.

But employees at Thamarrurr Development Corporation, which has a team of up to 200 people delivering services at Wadeye, said they had no warning that they were about to be targeted.

They will no longer be able to access full-strength beer or spirits, with a weekly limit of one 30 pack of light or medium strength beer, 28 cans of mid-strength pre-mix UDLs or two litres of cask wine.

“There are already people here talking about quitting because they’re being banned from accessing full-strength alcohol,” one employee said.

“Licensing is trying to say permit holders are onselling grog to community members, but it’s not true. The workers here drink what they purchase and the grog is coming into the community through the black market.

“Workers here want to access full-strength alcohol. Some of them enjoy a drink after work and this has changed everything. Who wants to drink light grog?

“We are actually laughing about the changes because they won’t make any difference. All they’ll do is make it harder to employ people here.”

The email sent to community members by the NT government’s senior director of liquor licensing and compliance Michelle Ganzer said the changes applied to contractors and permanent residents who are able to apply for alcohol permits.

“These changes will help the community and surrounding areas become safer for everyone by reducing the amount of social unrest and alcohol-related harm in the community,” she

said.

“Alcohol will only be transported in Wadeye on Mondays by air or barge. Transportation carriers and licensees have been advised accordingly. Please ensure that any transportation of alcohol is arranged for transport on Mondays only.

“These changes to the liquor permit framework in Wadeye will be reviewed at six months from commencement. Please ensure you know your permit limits and restrictions as per below.”

Ms Ganzer last year held talks in Wadeye, Peppimenarti and Nauiyu with communities, licensees and stakeholders, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Thamarrurr Development Corporation deputy chief executive Tracey Leo said the changes, introduced to restrict secondary supply of alcohol, “had caused some uproar with our team”.

She said the TDC board would meet on Wednesday to discuss the changes.

NT Licensing has been contacted for comment.