Qld: Amendments pave way for indigenous communities to go dry

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2008
Qld: Amendments pave way for indigenous communities to go dry

Changes to liquor .. police and indigenous justice laws introduced to Queensland parliament
today .. will rid indigenous communities of alcohol.

Under the amendments .. indigenous councils will exchange their liquor licences by
December 31 .. for a share of 101 million dollars for detoxification services.

Laws relating to drinking in public will be tightened .. restricted areas will be extended
to include private homes and roads .. and there'll be a big crack-down on sly grog running.

Four Cape York communities have also agreed to trial a new welfare system where welfare
payments will be managed for parents found to be neglecting or abusing their children.

Premier ANNA BLIGH .. who last week visited the Hope Vale community .. says people
there are cautious but overwhelmingly positive about the trial.

Ms BLIGH says the trial will demand a great deal from the people .. and there are bound
to be problems .. but the trial must be given a real chance to work.

AAP RTV gd/pjo/bart

KEYWORD: INDIGENOUS QLD (BRISBANE)

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