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Minister for Central Australia Rob Knight said today he was pleased to hear about some of the positive progress resulting from the range of measures introduced to curb alcohol-related harm in Alice Springs.

 

Mr Knight today attended the latest meeting of the Alcohol Reference Panel in Alice Springs.

 

“The latest figures show that consumption of pure alcohol in the last quarter of 2007 is down by a huge 17 per cent, compared to the same period prior to the introduction of tough supply restrictions.*

 

“Other indicators are also very encouraging, with less alcohol-related presentations to the Alice Springs Hospital.

 

“The significant drop in serious crime, for example with only one murder in Alice Springs in the year to date, is also heartening.

 

“It was also reported in today’s meeting that more than 100 private areas are now “dry” under legislation that allows private premises to be declared alcohol-free.

 

“The raft of initiatives introduced in Alice Springs to combat alcohol-related antisocial behaviour is obviously having an impact but there is of course much more to be done.”

 

Mr Knight said the electronic identification system for takeaway alcohol would ‘go live’ in Alice Springs on Monday, 23 June, 2008.

 

“The NT Government has been working with Tangentyere Council on issuing ID cards and more than 500 new cards have been issued so far.

 

“It is important that people realise that from 23 June, if they have no ID they won’t be able to buy takeaway alcohol in Alice Springs.

 

“While there are some areas we still need to work on these initiatives are helping to tackle alcohol abuse in Alice Springs and helping make the town a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

 

 

 

Media Contact: Bethaney Jensen 0423 593 999

 

 

 

* Alice Springs Town Liquor Trends – comparing period of Oct-Dec 2007 to Oct-Dec 2005.

 

Related files:
Alice Alcohol Initiatives.pdf ( 296.14 kb )