Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, is considering banning alcohol in the state's indigenous communities after a review found alcohol management plans had failed to restore order.
The review states that "levels of harm remain grossly and unacceptably high compared to the Queensland average". There are 15 times more serious assaults in these townships than across Queensland as a whole, and 12 times more hospital admissions.
Sly grogging remains a major problem, despite 2668 charges being laid and nearly $700,000 in fines imposed since alcohol management plans started.
The Queensland Government introduced alcohol management plans after a 2001 report by Justice Tony Fitzgerald found excessive alcohol consumption in indigenous communities was the main cause of social problems. At the time, Justice Fitzgerald said: "The position is so serious that, despite constitutional obstacles, unless significant improvement is reported within three years, consideration should be given to a prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol."
In the wake of the grim findings of the review of alcohol management plans, Ms Bligh is reported to have said recently it was time to revisit the issue. "The results show radical action is required," she said. "I'll be meeting with the indigenous community mayors in February 2008 with a view to either tightening up the existing plans or moving to complete prohibition." Any toughening of restrictions had to be accompanied by more emphasis on rehabilitation, she said. Cabinet will consider a full evaluation of the alcohol management plans in March.
Source- SMH
What could this mean for Weipa?
Weipa residents must be given a voice in any government discussions regarding the Cape.
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2 comments:
After reading your Rub a dub Pub article, im betting Mr Powers must be feeling rather pleased.. Atleast the Pub will still have its hotel side of things to keep the cash coming in.. Maybe with new extra room where the bars are if the AMP's scrapped, they could open a Seniors Club and set up some comfy chairs and a pool table.. With everyone buying up here like they are im sure there will be a need for one soon hahaaa
Banning alcohol will not resolve the problem. Prohibition did not work in the United States in the 1920 and 30's. It lead to the establishig of criminal cartels based on the illegal profits from the sale of alcohol. If the Bligh government wants to make a difference, start by building diversionary centres and detox units. Where do you go if you live on the cape or in an aboriginal community to get help to deal with chronic alcoholism? If you leave to go to a major centre, when you are "cured" you return to the same circumstances with no support to stay sober and all the peer pressures that are inherent with alcohol and lifestyle.
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