EditorialThe Northern Territory Government is set to introduce it’s alcohol mandatory treatment reforms into the Territory Parliament this week. If introduced, problem drinkers taken into protective custody three times in two months could face up to 12 weeks of alcohol mandatory treatment.
The legislation has been lauded by the Government as the most significant reform in Northern Territory health and alcohol policy in recent years, yet those opposed to the bill say the measure represents an unproven $100 million gamble, and bad government policy that could very well lead to more deaths in custody.
Today in a Drink Tank double feature, FARE Policy and Research Manager, Caterina Giorgi says It’s time to redefine ‘the alcohol problem’, warning that the reforms will further marginalise a group of the population that is already experiencing significant disadvantage.
NAAA Executive Officer, Brian Vandenberg argues the Vicious cycle will continue until price and availability is addressed, and agrees that trying to hide the problem will not stop the harm from continuing.
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