Posted: 2023-02-14 11:49:20

Laws reinstating Aboriginal community alcohol bans have passed Northern Territory parliament following a frenzied national debate, and months after they abruptly lapsed despite the protests of leading Aboriginal voices and services.

The legislation passed parliament on Tuesday night only hours after it was introduced and is expected to take effect by the end of the week.

It will mean takeaway alcohol is again prohibited in the Aboriginal town camps or remote communities that were made dry as part of the 2007 Intervention.

Communities will be able to apply to change or exit the restrictions if a majority of residents agree on a plan that is then approved by the government.

The opposition Country Liberal Party (CLP) supported the legislation and said the government had been forced by its federal counterparts to act.

A man standing behind a microphone outside NT Parliament House.
The CLP's Josh Burgoyne told parliament the new laws were proof Labor got the issue wrong.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)

Alice Springs-based opposition whip Josh Burgoyne said victims of crime and violence had paid the price for Labor's "misguided agenda" around the expiry of the bans in July last year.

"Today's legislation is proof that the Fyles Labor government got it wrong," Mr Burgoyne told parliament.

"The only thing missing is acknowledgement from the chief minister — an acknowledgement that I certainly won't be holding my breath for."

At the time, Territory Labor blamed the former Coalition government for failing to plan a transition out of the federal bans and said it would not continue race-based restrictions.

a woman with short dark hair wearing a pink blazer speaks at a lectern
Natasha Fyles says the laws will allow communities to plan to exit restrictions.(ABC News: Michael Franchi)

The reinstatement of the bans was one of two recommendations made in the snap review commissioned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when crime in Alice Springs was dominating national headlines last month.

The other, echoing long-running calls for needs-based funding to address the underlying causes of alcohol addiction and crime, has not been addressed.

New laws set out process to end bans

Under the new legislation, the licensing director can approve community alcohol plans that have the support of 60 per cent of adult residents.

There is a requirement to consult police, the government and the relevant local health organisation before approval is granted.

View More
  • 0 Comment(s)
Captcha Challenge
Reload Image
Type in the verification code above