Review of Alcohol Management Plan in Northern Peninsula Area communities

The Queensland Government has modified alcohol restrictions in the Indigenous communities of the Northern Peninsula Area around Bamaga, with the new arrangements applying from 21 December.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the intention of broadening the range of liquor that could be carried was consistent with proposals initially put forward by the communities for changes to their Alcohol Management Plan.

“Under the new scheme, people will be able to carry two litres of unfortified wine as well as either a carton of 30 cans of any strength beer or a carton of 24 cans of pre-mixed spirits.

“A comprehensive review of all the evidence suggested that an amendment to allow a broader choice of drinks could be more effective in reducing the alcohol-related harm in the community than retaining or tightening the current restrictions.”

The communities of the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) are Bamaga, Injinoo, Umagico, Seisia and New Mapoon.

Mr Pitt said the new alcohol carriage limit, effective from 21 December, was either 11.25 litres (30 x 375ml cans) of any strength beer and two litres of wine (excluding fortified wine); or 9 litres (24 x 375ml cans) of pre mixed spirits of 5.5 per cent alcohol/volume and two litres of wine (excluding fortified wine).

The NPA carriage limit at present is 9 litres (1 carton of 24 x 375ml cans) of light or medium strength beer and 2 litres of wine (excluding fortified wine).

Mr Pitt commended the role played by the Member for Cook, Jason O’Brien, in bringing about the changes.

“Jason O’Brien has been centrally involved in securing these modified carriage limits, and he has worked closely with the NPA communities to see the adjustments made.”

Mr Pitt said the Department of Communities was engaging fully with the NPA communities regarding further initiatives to address substance misuse.

Officers from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy area of the department have met with communities leaders to consider a tailored package of demand reduction initiatives for each community.

The program would include family and youth support initiatives that responded to priorities identified by the community.

The Department of Communities was also seeking agreement between communities, government and non-government service providers on the design and delivery of culturally responsive local and regional alcohol and other drugs treatment services.

“We expect that Indigenous health workers could play an important role in the delivery of a locally responsive service delivery model,” Mr Pitt said.

“But the Demand Reduction Program could also include a skills development component to encourage local people to participate in initiatives in their community.”

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4286