The Northern Territory Government has completed a three year review of its Liquor Act 2019.
The Act, which came into effect on 1 October 2019, has been reviewed to determine whether its policy objectives remain valid, and whether the terms of the legislative framework are still appropriate, the Government said in a statement today.
The review ensures the Liquor Act is effective in recognising the public’s interest in the sale, supply, service, promotion and responsible consumption of liquor, said Chief Minister and Minister for Alcohol Policy, Natasha Fyles.
“Every Territorian has the right to live and work in a safe community, that’s why this government has done more than any other government when it comes to alcohol policy,” said Ms Fyles.
“Alcohol-related harm continues to be one of the greatest social issues facing the Northern Territory today, and no Government has done more to stop it.
“The Territory Government recognises the importance of a strong regulatory framework for alcohol in the Northern Territory, to minimise the harm that alcohol causes in our community and to provide certainty for business, the public and industry.
“The BDR is an effective supply and harm reduction tool for takeaway alcohol that is minimal cost and has no adverse impact to industry and consumers.”
The Review examined a wide range of information and explored views through consultation with businesses, industry groups, government and non-government organisations and the community, and determined the policy objectives of the Act remain valid and the terms largely remain appropriate for achieving those objectives.
However consideration should be given to amending some aspects of the Act as set out in the summary report.
The Chief Minister said the Northern Territory Government will review the recommendations in the Summary Report and work with stakeholders to create legislative amendments by the end of the year.
In addition, changes are being considered to the Banned Drinker Register, under the Alcohol Harm Reduction Amendment Bill.
This will simplify the pathway for police to issue BDOs as priority measure to reduce alcohol-related harm resulting from liquor sourced from takeaway alcohol outlets.
The new changes will impact mostly on individuals who are consuming harmful levels alcohol and coming into contact with police or therapeutic intervention programs.
The summary report can be read here:Â https://alcoholpolicy.nt.gov.au/alcohol-policy.
