Only seven remote communities opt-in to new liquor laws

An overwhelming majority of remote communities have opted to allow alcohol into their homes, as health experts express concern about drinking in the Territory.

Remote communities have largely ignored new Territory liquor laws requiring them to opt-in to prohibition licenses.

Two months after the Northern Territory government announced its controversial decision to lift alcohol bans in remote communities - a legacy of the Northern Territory Intervention - only seven communities have opted-in.

A further 12 have indicated their interest, including Peppiminarti, but are yet to finalise paperwork.

A total of 12 remote communities, more than 30 town camps and more than 200 homelands had alcohol reintroduced into their homes in July.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles blamed the Liberal government for allowing the Intervention to lapse.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles says alcohol harm is a major concern for the Northern Territory. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“We are transitioning out of the race-based restrictions of the Intervention to a tailored harm minimisation approach which empowers communities,” she said.

“That means tackling the complex social challenges that many of our communities face with real solutions.

“Alcohol harm is one of our biggest challenges, this challenge still existed under the Stronger Futures legislation.”

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress chief medical officer public health Dr John Boffa said Alice Springs hospital had experienced an increase in hospital presentations in the first six weeks of the ban lifting.

“There has been an 18 per cent increase in alcohol related emergency department presentations with an average of about 131 compared with the long term baseline of 111 per week. This is an additional 20 per week,” Dr Boffa said.

Northern Territory Police Association president Paul McCue said police had also seen a significant increase in alcohol sales, particularly in Alice Springs.

“The high rates of intoxicated people within the community, generally, indicates excess alcohol consumption and a heightened risk for domestic and family violence, and alcohol-related crime, harm and violence – all of which increases the workload to our members,” he said.

“From our perspective, this is a significant safety risk to our members working at takeaway liquor outlets, particularly those who are forced to work alone because of ongoing staffing and resourcing issues.”

Earlier in the year, Association of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies NT executive officer Peter Burnheim said the sector and communities raised “legitimate and significant concerns” with Territory Labor about the lack of consultation with communities regarding the changes.

“We, like the many other voices from across the community … are extremely disappointed this legislation was pushed through without those concerns addressed,” Mr Burnheim said.

“The inevitable outcome of this change is that many communities will have a return of alcohol with all of the subsequent challenges.”

Mr Burnheim said the NT already had horrific rates of harm related to alcohol; family and domestic violence, health implications, road crashes and fatalities, community unrest and other harms would inevitably rise as result of alcohol returning to communities so abruptly.

The social services sector did not object to communities’ self-determination however, called for an opt-out policy as a stopgap feature while safe houses and drying-up rooms could be built.

Communities which were General Restricted Areas prior to the Commonwealth Intervention will revert to previous restrictions, and will not need to opt in.

Originally published as Only seven remote communities opt-in to new liquor laws