Two more deaths on the Central Arnhem Highway in the Roper Gulf Shire region occurred last night and Mayor Jack said “this is a clear indicator that the grog restrictions are not working”. He continued on to say “this is a tragedy and a direct result of poor government policy. When is government going to put in place programs that result in responsible drinking behaviour?”
Nearly every Alcohol Management Plan (AMP) the Shire has been involved in within the region mentions the need to review the location of roadside drinking areas. This message comes strongly from local community people, time and time again - but where is the action?
Families wait everyday and hope and pray their loved ones come home safely from these places. Many young people start their drinking behaviour in desperate circumstances in these places, where they drink hot grog, fast and furiously often leading them onto an alcoholic spiral and too often death.
Nowhere in their lifestyle are they seeing responsible drinking behaviour. Not in their home, not in a club environment nor in any other social environment that may be available to them. This is extreme behaviour, it’s deadly and people are dying unnecessarily.
Women and children in towns that have alcohol restrictions still face daily alcohol fuelled violence, personal and property crimes.
Enough is enough, when is government going to show that they really care about this situation and get solutions in place that promote responsible drinking behaviour. This should be seen as a wakeup call.
I now call upon the Territory and Commonwealth Governments to act swiftly and stop the rhetoric, stop the stalling and stop the constant policy changes, particularly on the AMP’s and come talk to us now about real solutions that will save lives.
For further details or to arrange interviews with Mayor Jack please direct your inquiries to Michael Berto, CEO Roper Gulf Shire Council on 08 8972 9000.
ENDS