Alcohol Management Plan Review begins

The review of Alcohol Management Plans in Indigenous communities, which was an election commitment of the Newman Government, has commenced.

The Alcohol Management Plans which operate in 19 discrete Indigenous communities are in place to reduce alcohol-related violence, particularly against women and children.

The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes said the review will be conducted community-by-community.

“There won't be a one-size-fits-all approach, and we will take whatever time is necessary to do the job properly,” Mr Elmes said.

"There will be extensive consultation with all affected communities, as well as with others involved in areas such as health, education, police, housing and employment.

"The bottom line for the review is that any changes to current restrictions must not be at the cost of adverse community impacts, particularly where women and children are concerned.

"It will be up to each community which wants alcohol restrictions eased or removed to demonstrate they have strategies in place to ensure there will be no increase in levels of violence and social disorder.”

Terms of Reference for the review were released to Mayors, CEOs and other community leaders of affected communities at a meeting in Cairns today.

Mr Elmes said that existing Plans at each community will remain in place until the review for that community is complete.

“The Review will involve extensive engagement with each community to identify a pathway into the future and to further reduce violence,” he said.

“Community leadership and empowerment will be needed, and I have encouraged all Mayors and Community Justice Groups to work closely with all sections of their communities in developing proposals to manage alcohol abuse and reduce alcohol-related violence.

“I acknowledge that every community is different and that there are diverse views amongst communities. Some communities will want to keep or even strengthen their AMPs and others will want to relax or remove them.”

Mr Elmes said the Review will take into account the unique views and needs of each community.

[ENDS] 3 October 2012

Media Contact:          Peter McCarthy (0408) 835 548