No to ‘permit systems’: Minister

Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the State Government does not support access permits for Indigenous communities and has previously ruled out consideration of access permits.

This follows a report in The Australian newspaper today.

“Access permits should not be confused with alcohol permits, which also apply in some Northern Territory communities,” she said.

“Alcohol permit systems apply to geographic areas which are declared ‘dry’ or alcohol free.

“Within the geographic area, individuals can apply for an alcohol permit which enables them to carry or consume a specified amount of alcohol.

“The Queensland Government has also ruled out alcohol permits in Queensland Indigenous communities at this stage.

“However, some communities have proposed that an alcohol permit system should be introduced to make sure people who drink responsibly are not penalised.

“Further work is currently underway to look at a whether a system like this could work in some Queensland communities.

“The State Government will consider the results of this work next year.”

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