Indigenous Councils work towards removing liquor licenses

The phase out of canteens and liquor licences held by Queensland Indigenous Councils begins next Tuesday as part of a range of reforms to reduce alcohol misuse in remote Indigenous communities.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Lindy Nelson-Carr said no Queensland local council will be able to operate a general liquor licence after 31 December 2008. Nine canteens and taverns in Queensland’s remote Indigenous communities will be affected by the legislation.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the new legislation is vital to improving the lives of Indigenous Queenslanders but the success would also depend on the commitment of the local communities and the introduction of support services.
 
“Each community is unique, which is why we are working closely with community leaders to develop a tailored approach to alcohol harm reduction, including looking at the services necessary to support communities to go as dry as possible.

“The reforms will be accompanied by a $66 million Queensland Government investment to deliver improved health and social services. This may include night patrols, detoxification and rehabilitation services, access to more health services and a greater police presence in some areas.

“These services will help communities transition into becoming ‘as dry as possible’ and in turn offer support for those people with severe alcohol addictions and their families.”

While the new laws will come into effect on 1 July 2008, Liquor Licensing is allowing a phasing in period of up to 31 December 2008 to allow for improved government services to be delivered to communities.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the new laws were aimed at providing communities with the help they need to reduce alcohol-related harm, violence, and crime; increase school attendance; and address health and child protection issues.

“The government has been working closely with each local council to determine the best way for their communities to address alcohol related problems.

“We have been into each community and have sought advice from councils and elders about how they will contribute to reducing the statistics that show the negative impact alcohol is having on the men, women and children.”

“The new laws will eventually involve some changes to carriage limits and restrictions in communities.

“At this time, no decision has been made to as to the level of any revised restrictions or additional services to be provided to Indigenous communities, other than for Woorabinda which has chosen to go dry from 1 July.

“Further discussions will need to be held with other community leaders before any decisions are made.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the affects of the new laws and changes to restrictions, if any, on surrounding communities will be continuously monitored by government departments, such as Communities, and police.

General liquor licences held by Indigenous councils will be cancelled on the following dates:
• Mornington Island and Napranum canteens are already closed and the licences will be cancelled on 1 July.
• Lockhart River, Kowanyama and Aurukun licences have been extended until 1 November to coincide with the delivery of additional government services.
• Palm Island and Pormpuraaw licences have been extended until 1 December to allow time for extra services to manage the displacement of people to nearby areas and other related impacts.
• Bamaga and Umagico on the Northern Peninsula Area have been extended until 31 December.

“Down the track, some councils may choose to allow a tavern, restaurant or community club to apply for a liquor licence - others may decide to remain dry or maintain a restricted carriage limit,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Any future application for a new licence by an entity other than the council will be considered by the Liquor Licensing Division on a case-by-case basis.”

Media contacts: Minister’s office: 3235 5280 or Liquor Licensing Division - Kylie Hickling 3247 5963