The Northern Territory Government has ignited heated debate after repealing the Minimum Unit Price (MUP) on alcohol. The decision, however, has been denounced by health advocates and community leaders concerned about alcohol harm prevention. Passed on Tuesday night, the legislation removes the AUD $1.30 floor price per standard drink introduced in 2018. Notably, the measure previously aimed to address alcohol-related harm in vulnerable communities.

Dr Robert Parker, President of the Australian Medical Association (NT), expressed grave concerns over the repeal. He stated, “This decision is a backward step in reducing alcohol-related harm in the Northern Territory, which historically has the highest per capita costs and harms of alcohol consumption in the nation” (National Indigenous Times). Consequently, advocacy groups fear the repeal could lead to more alcohol-related violence, hospital admissions, and chronic health issues. These outcomes, in turn, could undermine efforts in alcohol harm prevention.

On the other hand, NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, defended the repeal. She described the MUP as a flawed policy. “The alcohol floor price is a blunt, ineffective tool that fails to address the complexity of alcohol-related harm in the NT. People aren’t drinking less; they have changed what they drink, from wine boxes to stronger spirits in glass bottles – which then can be used as weapons” (Alice Springs News). Furthermore, Boothby highlighted that alcohol-related assaults had risen by 38% over the past eight years. She argued that this shift in drinking habits complicates alcohol harm prevention efforts.

Meanwhile, over 200 organisations, including health and Aboriginal-controlled groups, had previously called for the NT Government to prioritise evidence-based measures. These groups believe that policies like the MUP have reduced alcohol harm in other regions by discouraging excessively cheap alcohol. However, the government claims the measure overstressed responsible drinkers and lacked clear proof of effectiveness when used alone.

Despite the repeal, public health advocates remain undeterred. They have reaffirmed their commitment to alcohol harm prevention. As a result, efforts are underway to develop stronger, evidence-led strategies to safeguard community welfare and tackle alcohol-related harm in the Northern Territory.

Source: fare