The gap

In 2004, more than 17% of Territorians were engaging in drinking behaviour that carries a high risk of long term harm. This compares to less than 10% of the population nationally. In 2005-2006, more than 70% of Northern Territory prison receptions were alcohol related, rising from 63% in 2000-2001.

The approach

Personal safety and safety in communities are critical concerns for Territorians. To achieve a safe living, working and family environment for Territorians, we need to tackle the causes of crime and violence, including the misuse of alcohol and drugs. Closing the Gap includes several initiatives to tackle alcohol and drug misuse in the Territory.

Over the next 5 years, the Northern Territory Government will:

• Reduce the supply of alcohol through various measures, including comprehensive supply restrictions, declaration of dry areas for public and private premises and remote areas, and increasing police powers
• Recruit eight additional alcohol compliance inspectors across the Northern Territory to ensure compliance to alcohol regulations, at a cost of $1.35m
• Recruit two court clinicians based in Darwin and Alice Springs, to service Katherine,
• Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy regions, at a cost of $1.24m
• Implement a Licensing Identification System in regional and remote takeaway outlets, at a cost of $3.77m
• Expand the Return to Home program for Katherine, Alice Springs and Darwin, at a cost of $0.25m
• Implement regional alcohol management strategies initially in Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, East and West Arnhem and Timber Creek, at a cost of $2.5m
• Implement a widespread alcohol education program detailing the negative impact of alcohol, safe drinking levels and healthy alternatives to drinking, at a cost of $1m
• Under the amendments passed to the Liquor Act in 2006, declare dry areas, commencing with Alice Springs on 1 August 2007 and progressing to other areas during 2007
• Introduce amendments to the Liquor Act into Legislative Assembly Sittings in August 2007 to provide power to the Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing to implement urgent liquor supply measures, introduce alcohol restrictions in town camps and provide power to police to search vehicles.

Safety – Alcohol and Drugs Fact Sheet (PDF document, 550 kilobytes)