The Chief Minister has outlined a number of measures to address anti-social behaviour and crime in Alice Springs.
This includes the following alcohol restrictions, under section 88 of the Liquor Act which will come into effect immediately:
One sale per day per person, following industry guidance;Alcohol free days on Monday and Tuesday for takeaway purchases; andLimiting hours of alcohol being sold between 3pm-7pm, except for on Saturdays.
These measures will be coupled with an increase in compliance using tools already available, including an on premise BDR blitz.
We have already seen Police push a significant number of people onto the Banned Drinker Register. We know this is a tool that works.
The Chief Minister has also announced the appointment of a Central Australian Regional Controller who will make sure all levels of government are working in partnership to deliver what is needed to help our community.
The Central Australian Regional Controller will be responsible for developing an Alcohol Management Plan for the region. Businesses and members of the community including town camps, will be able to have input into this plan and into how they want alcohol managed in their community.
The Territory Government, through the new Central Australian Regional Controller will also focus on looking towards additional measures including the possibility of an opt-out system.
Collaborative work with the Commonwealth Government will continue to occur, as we make sure the services which are needed are provided in remote communities.
To support those who need it, the Territory Government we will stand up two facilities that families can go to when they are displaced and in need of support services. This is to ensure we can get these families back on their feet, back to community or into longer term accommodation, and kids back to school.
The Northern Territory Government has done significant work around crime prevention, building more remote housing, and making education more accessible to make sure all Territorians are supported.
Quotes from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
"Alcohol-related harm is one of the Territory's biggest social challenges and no government has done more to curb this issue.
"From risk based licensing to the Banned Drinkers Register, from the minimum floor price to our Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors, and with record funding for alcohol treatment services and domestic, family and sexual violence, we continue to invest heavily in this space.
"We are taking immediate action to keep the community safe. These are tough, smart and proportionate measures that address the immediate issues we are seeing in Central Australia.
"We are continuing to work with the community, police, and experts to implement evidence-based solutions to break the cycle of reoffending and tackle the root causes of crime.
"This announcement of immediate action in Alice Springs complements the work that is already underway. The establishment of the Central Australian Regional Controller will make sure there is a coordinated effort across government.
"We will continue to work and listen to the community."
Northern Territory Government
