❓ Mr. Blayney asks about the decision to ban liquor in Oombulgurri due to alcohol-related problems. Mr. Waldron details the decision-making process, legal basis, and support for the ban, citing a coroner's report and community consultation.
AnsweredQoN 13Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
OOMBULGURRI COMMUNITY — LIQUOR BAN
Given the recent media focus on the alcohol-related problems being experienced in the Kimberley community of Oombulgurri, will the minister provide details about the recent decision to ban liquor in the Oombulgurri community? Mr T.K. WALDRON
Given the recent media focus on the alcohol-related problems being experienced in the Kimberley community of Oombulgurri, will the minister provide details about the recent decision to ban liquor in the Oombulgurri community? Mr T.K. WALDRON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question and welcome him and all the other new members to this place. This really is an extremely serious issue and the decision was one that I did not take lightly because of its seriousness. On Thursday, 6 November I announced that the east Kimberley community of Oombulgurri would become a dry community. The regulation came into effect from 8 November 2008. The origin of this regulation was before the last election and was instituted by my predecessor, Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, following the release of a report by State Coroner Alastair Hope into five Aboriginal deaths in the Oombulgurri community. That report highlighted that Oombulgurri was a community that was desperately affected by alcohol. In making the decision to make Oombulgurri a dry community, I looked closely at the coroner’s report and the consultation that the previous minister had with the police, the Shire of Wyndham, east Kimberley, and the community. I am certainly satisfied that it was the right decision to make. Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for his question and welcome him and all the other new members to this place. This really is an extremely serious issue and the decision was one that I did not take lightly because of its seriousness. On Thursday, 6 November I announced that the east Kimberley community of Oombulgurri would become a dry community. The regulation came into effect from 8 November 2008. The origin of this regulation was before the last election and was instituted by my predecessor, Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, following the release of a report by State Coroner Alastair Hope into five Aboriginal deaths in the Oombulgurri community. That report highlighted that Oombulgurri was a community that was desperately affected by alcohol. In making the decision to make Oombulgurri a dry community, I looked closely at the coroner’s report and the consultation that the previous minister had with the police, the Shire of Wyndham, east Kimberley, and the community. I am certainly satisfied that it was the right decision to make. Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
I thank the member for his question and welcome him and all the other new members to this place. This really is an extremely serious issue and the decision was one that I did not take lightly because of its seriousness. On Thursday, 6 November I announced that the east Kimberley community of Oombulgurri would become a dry community. The regulation came into effect from 8 November 2008. The origin of this regulation was before the last election and was instituted by my predecessor, Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, following the release of a report by State Coroner Alastair Hope into five Aboriginal deaths in the Oombulgurri community. That report highlighted that Oombulgurri was a community that was desperately affected by alcohol. In making the decision to make Oombulgurri a dry community, I looked closely at the coroner’s report and the consultation that the previous minister had with the police, the Shire of Wyndham, east Kimberley, and the community. I am certainly satisfied that it was the right decision to make. Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
This really is an extremely serious issue and the decision was one that I did not take lightly because of its seriousness. On Thursday, 6 November I announced that the east Kimberley community of Oombulgurri would become a dry community. The regulation came into effect from 8 November 2008. The origin of this regulation was before the last election and was instituted by my predecessor, Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, following the release of a report by State Coroner Alastair Hope into five Aboriginal deaths in the Oombulgurri community. That report highlighted that Oombulgurri was a community that was desperately affected by alcohol. In making the decision to make Oombulgurri a dry community, I looked closely at the coroner’s report and the consultation that the previous minister had with the police, the Shire of Wyndham, east Kimberley, and the community. I am certainly satisfied that it was the right decision to make. Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
In making the decision to make Oombulgurri a dry community, I looked closely at the coroner’s report and the consultation that the previous minister had with the police, the Shire of Wyndham, east Kimberley, and the community. I am certainly satisfied that it was the right decision to make. Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for his question and welcome him and all the other new members to this place. This really is an extremely serious issue and the decision was one that I did not take lightly because of its seriousness. On Thursday, 6 November I announced that the east Kimberley community of Oombulgurri would become a dry community. The regulation came into effect from 8 November 2008. The origin of this regulation was before the last election and was instituted by my predecessor, Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, following the release of a report by State Coroner Alastair Hope into five Aboriginal deaths in the Oombulgurri community. That report highlighted that Oombulgurri was a community that was desperately affected by alcohol. In making the decision to make Oombulgurri a dry community, I looked closely at the coroner’s report and the consultation that the previous minister had with the police, the Shire of Wyndham, east Kimberley, and the community. I am certainly satisfied that it was the right decision to make. Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
I thank the member for his question and welcome him and all the other new members to this place. This really is an extremely serious issue and the decision was one that I did not take lightly because of its seriousness. On Thursday, 6 November I announced that the east Kimberley community of Oombulgurri would become a dry community. The regulation came into effect from 8 November 2008. The origin of this regulation was before the last election and was instituted by my predecessor, Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, following the release of a report by State Coroner Alastair Hope into five Aboriginal deaths in the Oombulgurri community. That report highlighted that Oombulgurri was a community that was desperately affected by alcohol. In making the decision to make Oombulgurri a dry community, I looked closely at the coroner’s report and the consultation that the previous minister had with the police, the Shire of Wyndham, east Kimberley, and the community. I am certainly satisfied that it was the right decision to make. Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
This really is an extremely serious issue and the decision was one that I did not take lightly because of its seriousness. On Thursday, 6 November I announced that the east Kimberley community of Oombulgurri would become a dry community. The regulation came into effect from 8 November 2008. The origin of this regulation was before the last election and was instituted by my predecessor, Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, following the release of a report by State Coroner Alastair Hope into five Aboriginal deaths in the Oombulgurri community. That report highlighted that Oombulgurri was a community that was desperately affected by alcohol. In making the decision to make Oombulgurri a dry community, I looked closely at the coroner’s report and the consultation that the previous minister had with the police, the Shire of Wyndham, east Kimberley, and the community. I am certainly satisfied that it was the right decision to make. Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
In making the decision to make Oombulgurri a dry community, I looked closely at the coroner’s report and the consultation that the previous minister had with the police, the Shire of Wyndham, east Kimberley, and the community. I am certainly satisfied that it was the right decision to make. Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
Section 175(1a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides for a restricted area regulation that prohibits the movement of alcohol into, the possession of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in, that community. The maximum penalty for breaking that regulation is $5 000, and police have the authority to immediately seize and dispose of either unopened or opened alcohol. I reinforce that the police and the local authority support this ban. I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
I am aware that not everyone in the Oombulgurri community agrees with the decision, but after looking at all the evidence before me and considering those most vulnerable in the community, particularly the women and children, I felt it was the right decision to make. I will quote the previous Minister for Racing and Gaming because I agree with what she said when she stated that when a community values its alcohol more than its children, it is time to act. Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
Since the decision has been made, the police have advised me that they have had no major problems, and I heard from a news report today that some families were moving back, which is good. The prohibition will run for 12 months, after which time there has to be a review, but I reserve the right undertake a review earlier if I see fit.
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