Mr MILLS - 2010-08-19
The Northern Territory government has introduced a raft of restrictions on the supply and consumption of alcohol in Alice Springs since 2006. Those restrictions were designed to reduce the shocking level of violence which is a blight on the town; indeed, the whole of the Territory. Since the introduction of those restrictions, the rate of offences against the person has jumped by 50%. By any stretch of the imagination, the alcohol restrictions have failed to curb violence in Alice Springs. Nothing you seem to put in place produces any real results. Can you explain why violence has increased by 50% in Alice Springs in the last four years?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, serious violent assault offences are down by 21% in Alice Springs. The opposition would impose an extension of trading hours in Alice Springs. The consumption of cask wine is down by 85% in Alice Springs and the overall pure alcohol consumption rates, if I am right, are down by 18% in Alice Springs since we imposed these restrictions. There are fewer serious presentations to Alice Springs Hospital in regard to serious violent offences in Alice Springs, and reduction in supply has seen a significant reduction in alcohol consumption in Alice Springs.
To say we have done nothing, achieved nothing, is not right. There has been a significant reduction. There is, of course, so much more to do, and that is why my colleague, the Minister for Alcohol Policy, is working so hard, and we will be bringing forward, in the very near future, a further significant reform agenda in this area. That is why we have more police than ever before. That is why we have mandatory reporting. I indicate the difference between the government and the opposition on this issue.
The opposition has a policy of extending supply, extending opening hours for the supply of alcohol, in Alice Springs. Nothing could be more recklessly irresponsible in a town which suffers so much from alcohol-induced antisocial behaviour and violence than to extend supply, pour more grog on the problem and make it easier for people to access alcohol. It is a recklessly irresponsible policy and they have no credibility in this debate …
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I draw honourable members’ attention to the question. He has put a qualifier on the type of violence but, in fact, I am asking about the 50% increase in violence in the same period. He has not answered that question.
Madam SPEAKER: Just resume your seat, Leader of the Opposition.
Mr Mills: We need an explanation.
Madam SPEAKER: Have you finished your answer, Chief Minister?
Mr HENDERSON: I have finished my response.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, serious violent assault offences are down by 21% in Alice Springs. The opposition would impose an extension of trading hours in Alice Springs. The consumption of cask wine is down by 85% in Alice Springs and the overall pure alcohol consumption rates, if I am right, are down by 18% in Alice Springs since we imposed these restrictions. There are fewer serious presentations to Alice Springs Hospital in regard to serious violent offences in Alice Springs, and reduction in supply has seen a significant reduction in alcohol consumption in Alice Springs.
To say we have done nothing, achieved nothing, is not right. There has been a significant reduction. There is, of course, so much more to do, and that is why my colleague, the Minister for Alcohol Policy, is working so hard, and we will be bringing forward, in the very near future, a further significant reform agenda in this area. That is why we have more police than ever before. That is why we have mandatory reporting. I indicate the difference between the government and the opposition on this issue.
The opposition has a policy of extending supply, extending opening hours for the supply of alcohol, in Alice Springs. Nothing could be more recklessly irresponsible in a town which suffers so much from alcohol-induced antisocial behaviour and violence than to extend supply, pour more grog on the problem and make it easier for people to access alcohol. It is a recklessly irresponsible policy and they have no credibility in this debate …
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I draw honourable members’ attention to the question. He has put a qualifier on the type of violence but, in fact, I am asking about the 50% increase in violence in the same period. He has not answered that question.
Madam SPEAKER: Just resume your seat, Leader of the Opposition.
Mr Mills: We need an explanation.
Madam SPEAKER: Have you finished your answer, Chief Minister?
Mr HENDERSON: I have finished my response.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016