Fines may be introduced to help enforce dry communities

On-the-spot fines could be handed out for alcohol possession in dry Aboriginal communities around Australia. A Senate committee, that has previously endorsed laws that extend federal intervention into remote communities, has recommended the changes, which come under the umbrella of the Stronger futures legislation.

Greens members of the Senate committee, however, rejected outright the legislation, which continues to enforce aspects of the Howard government's Northern Territory emergency response. In a report, Greens senator Rachel Siewert condemned all aspects of the Stronger futures legislation, saying it 'undermines (Aboriginal communities') governance and devalues their culture'.

Responding to the report last night, Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said the government would carefully consider its recommendations.

Source: The Australian

Links

• View publication: Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills
• View news item: Fines may be used to help enforce dry communities