Ms WALKER - 2010-02-24
Can you update the House on the levels of alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Surely this is not presumption of debate about the alcohol act she gave notice of before?
Ms LAWRIE: No, it does not go to the legislation.
Mr Elferink: We are not presuming a debate are we?
Ms LAWRIE: It does not go to the legislation, if you take time to listen.
Mr Elferink: We are not anticipating …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Port Darwin, cease interjecting. Minister, you have the call.
Ms LAWRIE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know the opposition chortle around this subject, but it has to be one of the most significant issues in the Territory around combating the social problems we confront in the Territory. Fifty-nine percent of all assaults across the Territory are alcohol related. That is people’s lives being destroyed through alcohol abuse.
It is extremely clear: if you are not tackling alcohol consumption, you are not truly tackling the cause of significant crime. Alcohol has such a negative impact across all those other areas, whether we are talking health outcomes, the opportunity for education, or child protection. That is why, in Territory 2030, we have targeted a reduction in alcohol consumption to bring it down to national levels. After years of increases in alcohol consumption, we are turning the corner.
In 2008, there was a reduction in the supply of alcohol by 0.3%. At the same time, our population grew by 2%. This is the first time in years that we have actually seen alcohol consumption reduce. There was an 18% reduction in alcohol consumption in Alice Springs; that has been well publicised. What we are now also seeing is a drop in consumption in Darwin and Palmerston, particularly in relation to the sale of wine casks. In 2008-09, we saw a reduction in supply of cask wine into Darwin and Palmerston of some 69 974 litres of pure alcohol. To put that in context, it is equivalent to a reduction of around 150 000 4 litre casks of wine; or 400 fewer 4 litre casks of wine a day. In Darwin and Palmerston, a cut of 400 4 litre wine casks per day - a dramatic reduction in alcohol.
It proves our government’s commitment to reducing alcohol consumption in the Territory is starting to cut through. There has been some substitution to far less harmful products, such as some shifts to mid-strength beer. Overall though, alcohol consumption is down for the first time in years.
Fifty-nine percent of all assaults are alcohol-related, and all the CLP wants to do is pour more grog on to the streets. Sell more grog – fuel more crime.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Surely this is not presumption of debate about the alcohol act she gave notice of before?
Ms LAWRIE: No, it does not go to the legislation.
Mr Elferink: We are not presuming a debate are we?
Ms LAWRIE: It does not go to the legislation, if you take time to listen.
Mr Elferink: We are not anticipating …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Port Darwin, cease interjecting. Minister, you have the call.
Ms LAWRIE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know the opposition chortle around this subject, but it has to be one of the most significant issues in the Territory around combating the social problems we confront in the Territory. Fifty-nine percent of all assaults across the Territory are alcohol related. That is people’s lives being destroyed through alcohol abuse.
It is extremely clear: if you are not tackling alcohol consumption, you are not truly tackling the cause of significant crime. Alcohol has such a negative impact across all those other areas, whether we are talking health outcomes, the opportunity for education, or child protection. That is why, in Territory 2030, we have targeted a reduction in alcohol consumption to bring it down to national levels. After years of increases in alcohol consumption, we are turning the corner.
In 2008, there was a reduction in the supply of alcohol by 0.3%. At the same time, our population grew by 2%. This is the first time in years that we have actually seen alcohol consumption reduce. There was an 18% reduction in alcohol consumption in Alice Springs; that has been well publicised. What we are now also seeing is a drop in consumption in Darwin and Palmerston, particularly in relation to the sale of wine casks. In 2008-09, we saw a reduction in supply of cask wine into Darwin and Palmerston of some 69 974 litres of pure alcohol. To put that in context, it is equivalent to a reduction of around 150 000 4 litre casks of wine; or 400 fewer 4 litre casks of wine a day. In Darwin and Palmerston, a cut of 400 4 litre wine casks per day - a dramatic reduction in alcohol.
It proves our government’s commitment to reducing alcohol consumption in the Territory is starting to cut through. There has been some substitution to far less harmful products, such as some shifts to mid-strength beer. Overall though, alcohol consumption is down for the first time in years.
Fifty-nine percent of all assaults are alcohol-related, and all the CLP wants to do is pour more grog on to the streets. Sell more grog – fuel more crime.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016