Shadow Minister for Health, Bill Yan, says Labor’s legislation to allow unrestricted access to alcohol in remote communities – without adequate consultation – will create more misery and more crime.
“Any increase in alcohol-related harm, crime and violence will be directly attributable to Labor’s lack of planning. Police are stretched razor thin, while remote health clinics are critically understaffed – or shuttered. For six years Labor has sensationally failed to consult with peak Indigenous bodies representing the Territorians who will be impacted by these law changes.
“If Labor was serious about giving Territorians an informed choice about this legislation, it would have asked them. Instead, relevant and interested stakeholders weren’t even told about these amendments until after this legislation was introduced to parliament.
“The Association and Liquor Amendment Bill 2022, which was introduced by Natasha Fyles, the new Labor leader,is poor policy. The CLP can’t support legislation that has failed to consult, failed to commit to additional resources and support, and puts vulnerable Territorians at increased risk of alcohol-related harm.
“The CLP would prefer to see communities able to make informed decision about whether to allow unrestricted access to alcohol, following proper consultation with residents, landowners and Traditional Owners about what these changes will actually mean,” said Mr Yan.
Shadow Minister for Alcohol Policy, Gerard Maley, says Labor has ignored the Remote Engagement and Coordination Strategy – and is treating community consultation as optional.
“Territorians deserve more than a government paying lip service to local decision-making. It’s just not good enough.
“Labor has had more than six years to plan for this. Yet, it is forcing through these changes, which could have a disastrous impact on alcohol-fuelled harm, crime and violence right across the Territory, without bothering to talk to the people who will be affected,” said Mr Maley.
ENDS