Mr ADAMSON - 1995-10-11
Can the minister advise the House on the latest developments with the wine cask levy programs to combat alcohol-related antisocial behaviour and litter problems in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, there has been some activity and progress since we last spoke about this matter. The object of the exercise is to ensure that the approximately $5m to be allocated over 5 years to fund programs to combat alcohol-related antisocial behaviour and litter problems is spent in the most efficient and effective way. The principal Territory centres are the main players. In addition, some funds will be made available for smaller communities. With programs for the main centres, we have pursued a fairly flexible and lateral approach in seeking individual community solutions. The result will be that communities will devise solutions to suit their own circumstances.
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We have committees in place in all the major centres. I must say that they have been meeting with mixed success. There was a small hiccup in Katherine where, at the behest of one of its members, the committee was led a little off the track with the suggestion that town camp matters should be addressed through the wine cask levy program. That is totally inappropriate. Members were told that before the committee was put together formally, and I am sure that they will get back on track. I understand that they have some very exciting possibilities for programs in Katherine, involving the Barunga community and the Katherine Town Council.
We have identified all of the stakeholders. They have formed various groups in the towns. Alice Springs Town Council will use an existing subcommittee which is known as the Social Issues Working Group. One of the criteria that we stipulated was that there would be no duplication of programs already funded through the Living With Alcohol program or any other existing program. However, once the committees have agreed on a plan of action, even an interim plan of action, with some preliminary works or projects, their submissions will be forwarded to me. Provided those plans meet the general criteria, they will be endorsed and funds appropriated.
As honourable members would be aware, funds have been collected through the wine cask levy for these programs for the last 3 months. As a result, some $0.25m is available to get projects up and running. I have distributed a list of the interim allocations for each of the major centres. That will be reviewed next year in light of the actual levy returns to us, and the efficiency and effectiveness of each town or community in delivering its program. I must say that there is a spirit of cooperation. I am heartened by the ideas and thoughts that have been put forward by various committees and their members.
Page 847
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, there has been some activity and progress since we last spoke about this matter. The object of the exercise is to ensure that the approximately $5m to be allocated over 5 years to fund programs to combat alcohol-related antisocial behaviour and litter problems is spent in the most efficient and effective way. The principal Territory centres are the main players. In addition, some funds will be made available for smaller communities. With programs for the main centres, we have pursued a fairly flexible and lateral approach in seeking individual community solutions. The result will be that communities will devise solutions to suit their own circumstances.
Page 846
We have committees in place in all the major centres. I must say that they have been meeting with mixed success. There was a small hiccup in Katherine where, at the behest of one of its members, the committee was led a little off the track with the suggestion that town camp matters should be addressed through the wine cask levy program. That is totally inappropriate. Members were told that before the committee was put together formally, and I am sure that they will get back on track. I understand that they have some very exciting possibilities for programs in Katherine, involving the Barunga community and the Katherine Town Council.
We have identified all of the stakeholders. They have formed various groups in the towns. Alice Springs Town Council will use an existing subcommittee which is known as the Social Issues Working Group. One of the criteria that we stipulated was that there would be no duplication of programs already funded through the Living With Alcohol program or any other existing program. However, once the committees have agreed on a plan of action, even an interim plan of action, with some preliminary works or projects, their submissions will be forwarded to me. Provided those plans meet the general criteria, they will be endorsed and funds appropriated.
As honourable members would be aware, funds have been collected through the wine cask levy for these programs for the last 3 months. As a result, some $0.25m is available to get projects up and running. I have distributed a list of the interim allocations for each of the major centres. That will be reviewed next year in light of the actual levy returns to us, and the efficiency and effectiveness of each town or community in delivering its program. I must say that there is a spirit of cooperation. I am heartened by the ideas and thoughts that have been put forward by various committees and their members.
Page 847
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016