Bligh to test alcohol reform across Cape
Padraic Murphy; 22/4/08
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh will tour the troubled north Queensland indigenous community of Hopevale today to see first-hand the challenges involved in introducing tougher alcohol restrictions and welfare reforms. The tour will be the first time Ms Bligh has had the opportunity to see how welfare reforms are progressing since 19 indigenous communities agreed to further alcohol restrictions and income management in February. Under the reforms, they will surrender their liquor licences by the end of this year in return for drug and alcohol rehabilitation services funded by the state and federal governments. Ms Bligh said the state Government was keen to work with indigenous mayors from across Cape York in the crackdown on alcohol and that removing control of the sale of alcohol from councils was a step in the right direction.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23578313-5013404,00.html
Tags: Aboriginal, Australia, Drugs