Hon Wilson Tucker questions the government on the lack of alcohol and drug support services in the Kimberley following alcohol bans, and requests increased funding for AOD services. The Minister responds that the liquor restrictions were an independent decision informed by stakeholder consultation.

AnsweredQoN 1333Legislative Council
Asked
24 October 2024
Portfolio
Racing and Gaming

QuestionView source ↗

KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY ALCOHOL AND DRUG SERVICES
1333. Hon WILSON TUCKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Racing and Gaming:
I refer to the concerns raised by
local community leaders and health organisations about the lack of adequate
alcohol and drug support services in the Kimberley to address harm prevention
arising from alcohol bans.
(1) What evidence
did the government use to justify the restrictions without delivering
additional support services such as detox and rehabilitation programs?
(2) What steps
are being taken to address the concerns raised about potential negative
consequences like increased violence, family strain and overcrowding?
(3) Will the government commit to increasing funding
for AOD services in the Kimberley, including called-for therapeutic
support for detox and rehabilitation to reduce harm and address community
needs?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The Department of Local Government, Sport and
Cultural Industries advises the following.
(1)–(3) The
decision to apply liquor restrictions in the Kimberley region was an
independent decision by the Director of Liquor Licensing under the provisions
of the Liquor Control Act 1988. The independent decision was informed by
stakeholder consultation, written submissions and other evidence obtained from
key Kimberley stakeholders. This included Aboriginal organisations, local
governments, health and social service providers and other government agencies
that play a role in minimising alcohol-related harm in the community.

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