The peak alcohol body in the Northern Territory is urging the new CLP government to retain minimum unit pricing, a policy credited with enhancing community safety and reducing alcohol-related harms. The Association of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies Northern Territory (AADANT) emphasises the policy’s success in cutting alcohol-related assaults by 14% in Darwin and reducing emergency department visits due to alcohol by 19% across the Territory. With Indigenous Territorians experiencing alcohol-attributed death rates ten times the national average, the policy is seen as vital. AADANT, along with other organisations like the Aboriginal Medical Services Northern Territory, warns that removing the floor price could heighten alcohol abuse and crime. They argue that the policy doesn’t impact moderate drinkers but protects the community from cheap alcohol, evidenced by halved cask wine sales in Darwin. Additionally, AADANT calls for the indexation of the minimum unit price to further its effectiveness, aligning with the government’s mandate to tackle alcohol-related societal issues. This approach, they argue, not only saves taxpayers money by reducing healthcare and policing costs but also leverages strong global evidence linking higher alcohol prices with lower harm.
Keeping the minimum unit pricing policy is vital for protecting Northern Territory communities from the risks of cheap alcohol. If this policy is removed, we could see more violence and health problems related to alcohol, making life even tougher for those who are already struggling. By keeping this policy, we help create a safer and healthier environment for everyone.
Source: NIT
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