Home brew to be banned at Lockhart River

A ban on home brew will be introduced at Lockhart River on Queensland's Cape York Peninsula from 17 September 2007 to further strengthen existing alcohol restrictions.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Warren Pitt said the Queensland Government was introducing the home brew ban to address an anomaly in the existing law.

“The current alcohol restrictions only allow alcohol to be consumed at the licensed canteen, with no alcohol to be brought in or carried anywhere in the community,” Mr Pitt said.

“But the intent of the law was being circumvented by some people who were making home brew and, in some cases, selling it to others in the community.

“The new home brew laws will ban the possession of home brew kits, home brew concentrate, home-made alcohol and supplying home-made alcohol to others.

“Residents have until 17 September 2007 to remove home brew kits, home-made alcohol and home brew concentrate from the community.”

Mr Pitt said the Queensland Government had been working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for several years to develop effective alcohol management plans.

“It’s all about stopping the cycle of alcohol abuse and violence on residents; especially women, children and young people,” he said.

“Community members want a safe, peaceful environment for their families and for their young people to get an education. It is clear that home brew was undermining those efforts, which is why the government is taking action to intervene.”

The home brew ban aims to complement the original alcohol management plan introduced to Lockhart River in October 2003, and will ensure the alcohol restrictions can be more effectively enforced.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280