6 October 2022
The three year evaluation of the Minimum Unit Price (MUP) has today been released.
The MUP was designed as part of a suite of alcohol reforms aimed at cutting alcohol related harm and antisocial behaviour across the Northern Territory.
While acknowledging that it was difficult to solely evaluate the MUP without considering the assistance of other alcohol reform measures, the evaluation concluded that the MUP had been effective and recommended keeping it in place.
Key findings included:
A reduction in alcohol related harmsA reduction in the supply of low-cost, high-alcohol products like cask wine and;No evidence to suggest the MUP had any negative effects on industry, tourism or the NT economy.
The report shows declines in alcohol-related harm across a range of key areas since 2018, with a 25.8% decline in alcohol related assaults. It also shows a 37.6% decline in alcohol related hospital admissions in Alice Springs Hospital, and a 24.2% decrease in Tennant Creek.
Overall, there has been a 19.4% reduction per capita in alcohol related emergency department presentations across the NT.
The evaluation gave a number of recommendations to improve the policy and reduce alcohol related harm. These recommendations will be considered by Government.
Visit Alcohol harm minimisation publications | NT Health here to view the full report.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
"We are putting Territorians first with world-leading alcohol reforms to cut alcohol related harm and antisocial behaviour to make our community safer.
"The minimum unit price is just one component of our broad alcohol reforms, but this evaluation shows it does have a place here in the Territory.
"While we acknowledge there is still more work to do across the Territory, this evaluation is a good indication that we are on the right track."
Quotes attributed to Danny Price Frontier Economics and Yarning:
"The MUP is another weapon in the fight to reduce harmful alcohol consumption in the NT.
"The whole community benefits when there is less harmful drinking."
Northern Territory Government
