Alice Springs Alcohol Restrictions to be Extended

The front yard of the home of indigenous campaigner Barbara Shaw in the Mount Nancy town camp at Alice Springs in Australia's Northern Territory state on Oct. 13, 2013. Greg Wood/AFP via Getty Images

The Northern Territory government has extended alcohol restrictions in the central town of Alice Springs due to positive results so far, but challenges remain ahead.

According to the government, evidence from the Emergency Department of the Alice Springs Hospital showed alcohol-related emergency presentations had been reduced by a third, while alcohol-related harm and assaults have also been reduced.

NT Chief Minister and Minister for Alcohol Policy Natasha Fyles said, “Alcohol-related harm is one of the Territory’s biggest social challenges, which is why addressing it is one of the Territory government’s biggest priorities.”

The NT government has also tried other ways to cut the drinking problem and other alcohol-related harms including checking licences and introducing police liquor inspectors.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles speaks to media during a press conference in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Tuesday, January 24, 2023. AAP Image/Pin Rada

“From risk-based licensing to the Banned Drinkers Register, from the minimum floor price to our Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors, and with record funding for alcohol treatment services and domestic, family, and sexual violence, we continue to do more than any previous government to tackle this problem,” said Ms. Fyles.

Local police, social workers, and hospital staff have also called for the ban to remain in place, she said.

“I know that some retailers may not like this approach. It’s a difficult decision, but it’s the right decision. It has to be done. And I thank retailers and other businesses for continuing to work with us.”

Crime Still on the Rise in Alice Springs

While the recent alcohol restrictions may have produced satisfying results and a reason to continue current restrictions, data from the NT Police Department shows other crimes have continued occurring.

From May 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022, there were 2,441 crimes committed against persons, while from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023, there were 3,186 cases—a 30.52 percent increase.

Crime against property also increased from 7,138 cases to 7,887 cases for the same period, a 10.49 percent increase.

The rate per 100,000 persons also increased with crimes against persons jumping from 8,517 to 11,020 cases per 100,000 people (a 29.39 percent jump), while crimes against property increased from 24,905.8 to 27,281.2 (a 9.54 percent jump).

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