A solid schedule of legislation is set to be debated in Parliament over the next two weeks, including the Liquor Bill 2019.

The Bill is a complete rewrite of the Liquor Act 1978, and achieves 70 recommendations from the Riley Review.

The Territory Government’s alcohol reforms are having an impact on cutting violent crime in the NT through a reduction in the supply of alcohol through the Banned Drinker Register, a new Police alcohol unit and 75 new Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors.

The most recent crime statistics show that assaults involving alcohol are at their lowest rates in 10 years - down 37% in Alice Springs, while domestic violence assaults are down 25%. 

Additionally alcohol-related hospital presentations have also had significant drops - down 28.9% in the latest quarter.

The Liquor Bill has undergone extensive consultation through an exposure draft and the scrutiny committee process.

Additional legislation in the August sittings will also include the:

• Care and Protection of Children Amendment Bill 2019
• Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
• Hemp Industry Bill 2019
• Integrity and Accountability Legislation Amendment Bill
• Water Miscellaneous Amendments Bill 2019

Parliament will debate the Hemp Industry Bill 2019. Which puts in place a regulatory framework that allows for the development and operation of an industrial hemp industry in the Northern Territory – supporting local jobs and backing local businesses.

Quote from Leader of Government Business, Natasha Fyles:

“For decades alcohol-fuelled crime and violence has had a devastating impact on our communities, homes and businesses.

“The Territory Labor Government’s alcohol reforms are working with violent offending cut across the NT.

“This has been done by reducing the supply of alcohol to problem drinkers through measures like the Banned Drinkers Register, a new Police Alcohol Unit and 75 new Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors.                                 

“These measures are beginning to make a difference, but we know we need to continue to invest in programs and people that cut crime now and in the future.”

Media Contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689