Halls Creek alcohol curbs welcomed

Media release from the AMA (WA)

AMA (WA) supports the new alcohol sale restrictions in Halls Creek

The AMA (WA) has welcomed the Licensing Court decision to restrict the sale of liquor in Halls Creek and says it will go a long way towards helping restore the health and well being of the alcohol-ravaged Indigenous community.

"Alcohol abuse in Halls Creek is a tragedy which has impacted on the lives of nearly everyone in the town," said association President Prof Gary Geelhoed.

"Had the Licensing Court not intervened, a whole generation of Aboriginal kids would have been condemned to a life of behavioural problems, neglect, health issues, educational failures, substance abuse and juvenile crime.

"The restrictions imposed today on the sale of full and mid-strength beer will not in themselves cure all the problems facing the community, but without them any attempt to bring in health, education and social welfare programs would be a waste of time.

"Fortunately, the Licensing Court has recognised this – as they did in Fitzroy Crossing - and put the health of the community ahead of the commercial interests of the town's licensed premises and the Australian Hotel's Association."

Prof Geelhoed said the State Government needed to use the alcohol restrictions as a window of opportunity to help introduce programs which would bring long-term benefits to the community, particularly the young.

"We would like to see this week's State Budget include adequate funding to seriously address the problems which continue to plague Indigenous communities like Halls Creek," he said.
 

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