Queensland already implementing long-term solutions for Indigenous communities

Queensland is already implementing long-term solutions to problems in local Indigenous communities, Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Warren Pitt, said today.

“While we welcome the Prime Minister’s interest in the problems Indigenous Australians are facing, Queensland is already implementing long-term solutions to these issues,” Minister Pitt said.

“We will look at what the Prime Minister is proposing because it is everyone’s business to ensure the safety of children and ensure their protection from abuse and neglect.

“Over the past four years Queensland has undertaken a major restructuring of child protection laws and interventions, and significantly increased funding in child safety.
“We are committed to continuing to improve this system.
“The Queensland Government already has in place - in response to the Cape York Justice Study by Tony Fitzgerald - a regime to restrict the supply of alcohol to stand-alone Indigenous communities.

“This regime involves strict laws covering the carriage of alcohol and limits on alcohol licences in or near those communities. Measures include:

• restrictions on carriage of alcohol into 19 communities through Alcohol Management Plans

• restrictions on trading hours and the types of alcohol products available from liquor outlets in communities

• conditions placed on liquor outlets in neighbouring towns

• bans on home brew in some places

• more police on the ground in remote Aboriginal communities.

“Our $13.2 million Alcohol and Other Substances Demand Reduction Program provides funding for remote communities to undertake local drug and alcohol prevention and diversionary activities and support for families and schools to tackle alcohol and drugs.

“The $36 million Queensland Indigenous Alcohol Diversion Program involves a range of initiatives, including a program offering referral from the criminal justice and child protection systems into alcohol treatment, supported accommodation and rehabilitation.

“The Queensland Government would welcome greater Commonwealth investment in measures to provide health and well-being services for children and families, and for treatment for those addicted to alcohol and other substances.

“We are negotiating an overarching Indigenous Partnership Agreement, supported by local community-level agreements, which will include commitments from communities to tackle issues such as alcohol and the damage it causes.

“The Queensland Government is also collaborating with the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership to consider new approaches to welfare provision that require parents to fulfil family responsibilities as part of their reciprocal obligation for income support.

“A review of alcohol and other substances policies, programs and services is also underway and will be considered by the Government later this year.

“In addition, the Minister for Police has recently announced the strong police presence in almost every Indigenous Community in Queensland would be further improved with the addition of 29 new police officers in remote Indigenous communities.”

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280 or 0408 701 379