The Northern Territory government has just passed the contentious alcohol treatment law which will see people arrested for alcohol fuelled crimes 3 times or more forced into rehab.
From the outset the law has been a contentious issue amongst the Aboriginal community as well as justice advocacy groups and medical organisations in the country.
The new law states that alcoholics will be forced into 3 months of alcohol rehabilitation, that includes anyone taken into protective custody for drunkenness three times in a period of two months. Authorities will assess each case and determine the best outcome and whether the person should spend 3 months in alcohol rehabilitation to help them deal with their addiction.
But alcoholics placed on the program should not think that they can simply leave before their 3 months are up. Patients may face criminal charges if they repeatedly abscond from rehab. However the legislation faces many sceptics who say it will not work to reduce alcohol fuelled problems and is an infringement of people’s rights.
An excerpt from an article on Abc.net.au explains:
From the outset the draft legislation was heavily criticised by Indigenous groups, medical bodies and justice advocates who have argued it criminalises drunkenness.
Key points:
The contentious legislation comes into effect in Northern Territory on July 1, 2013
Anyone taken into custody for drunkenness three times in two months to be assessed for the treatment
Patients could face criminal charges if they abscond from the program
Means some alcoholics will be forced into three months of rehabilitation
Treatment to occur at rehabilitation facilities in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs
Draft legislation heavily criticised by Indigenous groups, medical bodies and justice advocates
Critics argue it criminalises drunkenness
They also say it will do little to address alcohol problems in the Territory.
“It represents one of the greatest Australian policy failures since the introduction of cane toads…” Labor’s Michael Gunner said.
Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-28/mandatory-grog-treatment-laws-pass-into-law/4787582
As of Monday drunk and disorderly alcoholics in the state may be put into rehabilitation facilities in Darwin, Katherine or Alice Springs which are at the moment rushing to prepare for the perceived influx of patients.
The parliamentary debate apparently lasted around 8 hours before the legislation was passed into law at 2:30am after 43 amendments.
The article also goes on to explain:
Meanwhile, proposed restrictions in the South Australian outback town of Coober Pedy would ban people from some communities in the state and the Northern Territory from buying takeaway alcohol.
After visiting the town at the council’s request, South Australia’s Liquor and Gambling Commissioner has proposed a number of changes.
These include people from areas such as the APY Lands and Northern Territory dry communities being banned from buying alcohol, shorter opening hours, and a ban on cask wine.
Mayor Steve Baines says Coober Pedy is the remaining town in the area without any alcohol restrictions, giving it a reputation as “a party town”.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-28/mandatory-grog-treatment-laws-pass-into-law/4787582
The aim is to “dry up” the supply of alcohol to people just passing through the town to change the perception of the town as a “party town”. These changes were apparently demanded by the community who are sick and tired of the alcohol fuelled problems caused by visitors passing through the town.