Groote Eylandt liquor management

• Reach:

  NT

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  Yes

Overview

The Groote Eylandt liquor management program was initiated by the Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO). Consultation and collaboration was sought from the broad range of stakeholders, including the Anindilyakwa Land Council (which represents the Traditional Owners), Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents, drinkers and non-drinkers, community councils, licensed premises, other local businesses, government agencies, and the police.

A liquor management committee, representing the various stakeholders, was formed to oversee development and implementation of the liquor management plan. After three years of extensive community consultations, the Groote Eylandt liquor management plan was passed as law under the Northern Territory Liquor Act in May 2005 and implemented on 1 July 2005.

The plan is specific to Groote Eylandt and applies only to the island. A key aspect is an alcohol permit system that enables permitted persons to possess and consume alcohol within restricted areas. Requirements for permit holders are clearly specified, along with consequences for failure to comply. There is a provision for the suspension of takeaway liquor sales during times of community tension.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Contacts

Groote Eylandt Mining Company
Grid Island Rowell Highway
Alyangula NT 0885
Ph: (08) 8987 4444

Related publications

Conigrave K, Proude E, D’Abbs P (2009)

Alcohol as a privilege, not a right: evaluation of the Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island alcohol management system.

Paper presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2009. 1-4 November 2009, Darwin

• Links
• View abstract: Alcohol as a privilege, not a right: evaluation of the Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island alcohol management system: abstract (Paper No 291) (PDF - 540.0 KB)
• View information: 'Living on the Edge', Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2009, 1–4 November 2009 Darwin, Australia. Conference Abstracts
• View website: Drug and Alcohol Review

Evaluated publications

Conigrave K, Proude E, d'Abbs P (2007)

Evaluation of the Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island alcohol management system.

Darwin: Northern Territory Department of Justice

• Links
• View report: Evaluation of the Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island alcohol management system
• View website: Department of Justice, Northern Territory

Links

• View information: GEMCO's plan a gem
• View media release: Groote Eylandt Alcohol initiatives showing positive signs
• View media release: National drug and alcohol awards