[Greens-Media] Media Release - FASD

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Governments must act to reduce alcohol harm, rather than criminalise a critical public health issue. 

The Australian Greens said today that health and community investments and broad alcohol reforms are needed to address FASD and reduce alcohol related harm across the NT, rather than laws that would prosecute pregnant women. 

"FASD is a health priority in the Northern Territory and has very serious consequences, but singling out pregnant women is not the right mechanism to deliver long term change and improve health outcomes for parents and children," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues said today.
 
"The idea of simply prosecuting women when pregnant ignores the underlying causes of alcohol abuse and does not address alcohol supply issues.

"Alcohol abuse and alcohol related harm are whole-of-community problems, but the NT Government continually fails to treat them as such, instead opting for draconian policies that involve no consultation." said Senator Siewert 

NT Greens Blain by-election candidate Sue Mckinnon, observed that the Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT report 'Grog in the Territory', points out that a multi-pronged approach is needed to tackle alcohol related harm. 

"However, the NT Government is ignoring the advice of the health and community groups who deal with the effects of alcohol related harm and violence every day. Punishing victims cannot reasonably take the place of properly funding health and community groups to work on alcohol problems." 

Ms Mckinnon observed that adequately financed preventative medical programs, community medical services and empowered Aboriginal medical and community health organisations are essential components of the public health message. 

"The Territory and Federal Governments must work together to explore a full suite of options for reducing alcohol related harm, and not criminalise a vital public health issue." Ms McKinnon concluded.