THE SQUIZ
Alcohol bans will be reinstated in Central Australian communities after temporary restrictions were implemented to curb a spike in crime less than 2 weeks ago. NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said she’ll introduce urgent legislation to back the bans next week when the Territory’s parliament resumes sittings. The Albanese Government’s also pledged $250 million in extra funding for education, youth engagement and job creation programs, and improved services. These latest developments came about with the release of a report into alcohol-related harm in the region, which PM Anthony Albanese requested during his snap visit to Alice Springs at the end of last month.

HOW WILL THE BANS WORK?
It’s a good question – and we won’t know the answer until the legislation is drafted, but Fyles says affected communities will play a big part in developing their ‘alcohol management plans’. Fyles – who initially rejected calls for the reintroduction of alcohol bans after laws lapsed in July last year, labelling them racist – says she has heard “loud and clear” that communities need to be part of the solution. One thing that’s known is that if communities want to allow grog, 60% of residents will need to agree. As the plans are drafted and voted on, Fyles says the government will implement “a circuit breaker” of temporary dry zones in affected areas. Alcohol sale restrictions in Alice Springs will stay in place for now, as “they have proved to provide an immediate respite”.

SOUNDS LIKE PROGRESS?
Many people are hoping that’s the case… Fyles says although she’s aware that some people will be disappointed by the bans, she believes they’ll “provide a clear pathway” forward. For Albanese’s part, he says he wants “better outcomes for the most disadvantaged group in Australian society – First Nations people”. And on that note, he added that he’s “very hopeful” the Indigenous Voice to Parliament could be set up during this term of government – aka by mid-2025 – if this year’s referendum results support it. Greens Senator/Indigenous woman Lidia Thorpe also made waves yesterday when she quit the Greens over the party’s stance on the Voice. Thorpe’s in favour of a treaty before a Voice to Parliament and says her focus “will now be to grow and amplify the black sovereign movement in this country”.