The Territory Labor Government has released its Exposure Draft of the Liquor Bill 2019 for public consultation and comment.

The Bill is part of a process to modernise the Liquor Act 1978, as recommended in the 2017 Riley Review into alcohol in the Territory.

We are tackling alcohol-related crime by introducing some of the most comprehensive alcohol policy and legislation reforms in the nation. This Bill is part of an extensive process to rewrite the Liquor Act 1978, as recommended in the 2017 Riley Review into alcohol in the Territory.

The process has already involved extensive consultation with industry and stakeholders on numerous aspects of the current Liquor Act, to ensure the new Act meets community expectations and industry needs, gives regulatory bodies certainty, cuts crime and creates generational change in the Territory.

The consultation process for the Bill will:

• Share information about key aspects of the Exposure Draft of the Liquor Bill; and

• Seek the views of Territorians, businesses, NGOs, and representative bodies about the Bill

The consultation process will also include information forums held across the Territory for industry, NGOs and service providers (see attached for forums schedule).

The Exposure Draft of the Liquor Bill 2019 can be found here: alcoholreform.nt.gov.au/liquor-bill

Submissions can be submitted via mail to the Alcohol Review Implementation Team, Department of the Chief Minister, GPO Box 4396, Darwin 0801 or via email to alcohol.review@nt.gov.au

Submissions must be received by COB Friday, 26 April 2019.

Quotes from Attorney-General, Natasha Fyles:

“Alcohol abuse creates crime, destroys families and costs the community millions of dollars every year. That’s why we have introduced some of the most comprehensive liquor reforms in the country.

 “The Riley Review highlighted the need for an entirely new Liquor Act, finding the current regulatory regime is inconsistent, unfit for purpose and contributing to the unacceptable levels of alcohol-related harm in the Territory.

“The new Liquor Act will help us achieve real change, cut crime and long-term benefits for the Territory. The Exposure Draft of the Liquor Bill 2019 gives Territorians the opportunity to read and comment on proposed legislation before it is introduced to Parliament.”

Media Contact: Andrea Allen 0401 119467.