[Greens-Media] Green amendments tackle NT grog problem

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Tuesday 11th September 2007

Green amendments tackle NT grog problem

"It didn't take long for the cracks to appeal in the NT Emergency
Response legislation," said Senator Siewert today. 

"The problems we're seeing with the Government's attempts to address
alcohol abuse in the Territory are a direct result of rushing through
legislation without proper consultation."

"The Government seems to be more worried about the tourism industry in
the Northern Territory, rather than working out what works and doing
more to reduce drinking and alcohol-related harm," said Senator Siewert.

"What is needed is an effective alcohol management strategy." 

"This is why (while the government is worrying about the impacts of
their shoddy legislation on champagne cruises) the Greens have been
talking to the experts and the communities about what actually works to
reduce problem drinking," she said.

 "International research shows that price is the major factor in
reducing problem drinking - so they Greens are putting forward
amendments to the bill that put a 'treatment' levy onto cheap take-away
grog, which will help fund community-based rehabilitation services,"
said Senator Siewert.

"We will also re-introduce 'Thirsty Thursdays' - where there can be no
sales of take-away liquor, and we will require retailers to report
unusually large alcohol purchases that might be made by grog-runners."

"These are practical and proven measures which could make a real
difference to the high rates of alcohol abuse and harm in the Territory,
and we are hopeful that the Senate will support them," concluded Senator
Siewert.
	           
For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

RESCUE THE SENATE


Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia