Published Wednesday, 19 December, 2007 at 09:34 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Premier says major changes must be made to Alcohol Management Plans
Premier Anna Bligh said today major changes would be made to the State’s ground-breaking indigenous alcohol management plans operational in 19 of the State’s indigenous communities.
The Premier said early data showed that while the bans and controls on alcohol had made some improvements in the communities – it was quite clear more needed to be done.
“In 2001 Justice Tony Fitzgerald was commissioned to provide the Qld Government with a Cape York Justice Study. He found harmful levels of alcohol consumption in remote communities was leading to violence, crime, injury and ill-health.
“In his report Justice Fitzgerald said: "The position is so serious that despite constitutional obstacles unless significant improvement is reported within 3 years consideration should be given to a prohibition on the supply and consumption of alcohol. However, for the moment it is preferable for the government to work with the communities to achieve local solutions."
The Premier said she believed the time has come to revisit the issue.
“Queensland’s indigenous communities can be proud of the commitment and effort they have put into making these unique alcohol management plans.
“However after more than three years of operation in most communities it is clear that we are not making improvements quickly enough.
“The rates of violence are still appalling; while alcohol consumption has dropped in some communities it is still twice the amount of the rest of Queensland.
“Clearly we have more to do.
“Any toughening up of these plans must be accompanied by even greater emphasis on rehabilitation and detoxification programs.
“The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Lindy Nelson-Carr last night informed the mayors and chief executives of the preliminary results.
“She also conveyed my request that we all meet as soon as possible in the New Year to discuss how we can make these communities safe, healthy places to live now.
“I don’t think prohibition is a silver bullet but I believe the results of the available data provided by the Department of Communities shows radical action is required,” Ms Bligh said.
The interim report finds:
• Levels of harm from violence remain grossly and unacceptably high compared to the Qld average;
• For example, average rates of offences against the person are on average 10.2 times greater than the whole of Queensland average;
• Similarly, serious assaults are over 15 times worse; and hospital admissions for assault are about 12 times worse;
• About 60% to 70% of offences against the person, serious assaults and hospital admissions are alcohol-related;
• Sly-grogging remains a major problem – despite heavy policing which has resulted 2668 charges being laid.
It also found that on the 12 months to end 2006, the situation has deteriorated with a:
• 13.6% increase in hospital admissions.
• 15% increase in reported offences against the person.
• 12.3% increase in breaches of Domestic Violence Orders, of which 73% were alcohol-related.
• 12% increase in offences against property
• 18% increase in other offences.
“A full analysis of the AMP’s will be considered by Cabinet in March but we must start to make changes – all possible solutions are on the table,” the Premier said.
Wednesday December 19, 2007
Media contact – Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
The Premier said early data showed that while the bans and controls on alcohol had made some improvements in the communities – it was quite clear more needed to be done.
“In 2001 Justice Tony Fitzgerald was commissioned to provide the Qld Government with a Cape York Justice Study. He found harmful levels of alcohol consumption in remote communities was leading to violence, crime, injury and ill-health.
“In his report Justice Fitzgerald said: "The position is so serious that despite constitutional obstacles unless significant improvement is reported within 3 years consideration should be given to a prohibition on the supply and consumption of alcohol. However, for the moment it is preferable for the government to work with the communities to achieve local solutions."
The Premier said she believed the time has come to revisit the issue.
“Queensland’s indigenous communities can be proud of the commitment and effort they have put into making these unique alcohol management plans.
“However after more than three years of operation in most communities it is clear that we are not making improvements quickly enough.
“The rates of violence are still appalling; while alcohol consumption has dropped in some communities it is still twice the amount of the rest of Queensland.
“Clearly we have more to do.
“Any toughening up of these plans must be accompanied by even greater emphasis on rehabilitation and detoxification programs.
“The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Lindy Nelson-Carr last night informed the mayors and chief executives of the preliminary results.
“She also conveyed my request that we all meet as soon as possible in the New Year to discuss how we can make these communities safe, healthy places to live now.
“I don’t think prohibition is a silver bullet but I believe the results of the available data provided by the Department of Communities shows radical action is required,” Ms Bligh said.
The interim report finds:
• Levels of harm from violence remain grossly and unacceptably high compared to the Qld average;
• For example, average rates of offences against the person are on average 10.2 times greater than the whole of Queensland average;
• Similarly, serious assaults are over 15 times worse; and hospital admissions for assault are about 12 times worse;
• About 60% to 70% of offences against the person, serious assaults and hospital admissions are alcohol-related;
• Sly-grogging remains a major problem – despite heavy policing which has resulted 2668 charges being laid.
It also found that on the 12 months to end 2006, the situation has deteriorated with a:
• 13.6% increase in hospital admissions.
• 15% increase in reported offences against the person.
• 12.3% increase in breaches of Domestic Violence Orders, of which 73% were alcohol-related.
• 12% increase in offences against property
• 18% increase in other offences.
“A full analysis of the AMP’s will be considered by Cabinet in March but we must start to make changes – all possible solutions are on the table,” the Premier said.
Wednesday December 19, 2007
Media contact – Premier’s Office – 3224 4500