Community report—Darwin and Alice Springs, NT

Community report—Darwin and Alice Springs, NT

1–2 May 2007

Background

As part of its role as the principal advisory body to government on drug and alcohol issues the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) established the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) in 2004 to specifically identify the most appropriate and effective approaches for the ANCD to contribute to addressing Indigenous drug and alcohol issues within Australia.

NIDAC plays a critical role in ensuring that non-government and community sectors have a voice in the development of relevant policies and programs, provide feedback on the impact drug policies and programs have in addressing Indigenous drug and alcohol issues, and the harm it causes our communities.

The National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) holds community consultation forums in conjunction with its meetings in various parts of Australia for people who are working to address Indigenous alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. Participants have an opportunity to discuss policies and issues with NIDAC members.

Information from these forums is fed back to the ANCD and relevant governments to provide an opportunity for Government policies to meet the needs of the Australian community in addressing Indigenous drug and alcohol issues.

NIDAC produces a report from each forum which provides a brief description of the issues raised by forum participants. These reports are available on www.ancd.org.au/nidac to enable forum participants and interested others to access the issues that were discussed. NIDAC also provides a copy of each report to the ANCD, Premier or Chief Minister, as well as the Minister/s responsible for AOD issues in each jurisdiction, to ensure that the Government is aware of the issues raised.

It should also be noted that the issues raised at the forums are not necessarily areas that NIDAC agrees with or is able to address. They do however provide NIDAC and ANCD members with an important insight into community concerns and perceptions about specific Indigenous AOD issues. In addition, NIDAC believes that it has an obligation to participants to report the issues and concerns raised in an impartial manner.

Northern Territory

Community consultation forums were conducted in Darwin at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Mitchell Street 1 May 2007and in Alice Springs at the Alice Springs Convention Centre, Barrett Drive 2nd May 2007. Approximately 160 people in total participated in NIDAC’s community consultation forums. The forum participants included Indigenous people from remote communities, local Indigenous people, representatives from non-government organisations and Northern Territory Government departments.

Note: People who were unable to attend the forum but expressed the desire to participate have their comments included in the forum report.

Mr Ted Wilkes, Chair of the NIDAC, officially welcomed participants to the forum, explained its objective, and introduced Mr Gino Vumbaca Executive Officer of the ANCD.

Mr Vumbaca gave a presentation that:

Explained the role of the NIDAC, its relationship with ANCD and its position within the National Drug Strategic Framework.
Highlighted NIDAC priorities for 2007–2010, the role of NIDAC and its relationship to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Complementary Action Plan.
Recognised the significant level of unmet need in addressing Indigenous drug and alcohol use and outlined the NIDAC project “Identifying Areas of Greatest Need” which has been commissioned.
Provided a snapshot of Indigenous alcohol, drug, tobacco and Hep C prevalence across Australia.
Highlighted Indigenous consumption of alcohol and associated violence is over-represented and has a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of families and communities.

At the conclusion of his presentation, Mr Vumbaca opened the floor for questions/or comments about current and emerging alcohol and drug issues in the Northern Territory. Feedback from the community included:

Kava issues in the Northern Territory Top End communities

Local community concerns were raised about the increased use of kava amongst Indigenous people in the Northern Territory since the Kava Management Act was implemented in 2004. As a result, NIDAC resolved to contact the Northern Territory Government to obtain copies of any information it has collected on the impacts and implications of the Kava Management legislation for Top End communities.

Misconception that alcohol abuse is essentially an Indigenous problem in the NT

There is a perception that alcohol and drug issues are essentially Indigenous problems in the Northern Territory. Most initiatives to address alcohol and drug abuse in the Northern Territory appear to focus on law and order, targeting Indigenous people and placing restrictions on the whole community. This reinforces the perception that the non-Indigenous people in the community do not have serious problems and the restrictions imposed have potential to create conflict amongst Indigenous and non Indigenous drinkers.

Red tape reduction for alcohol & drug service providers

Greater coordination between Australian and State/Territory Government agencies to allow for single reporting would greatly reduce the administrative burden of agencies. A central government hotline would be useful to advise service providers on available funding, and reporting requirements.

Availability of alcohol in Alice Springs

Extremely high levels of consumption and supply of alcohol in Alice Springs is an issue for all in the Alice Springs community. The sales of alcohol to intoxicated people, price discounting, the disproportionate number of liquor outlets, the sale of alcohol on credit and the holding of people’s bank cards to secure payment, makes alcohol easily accessible to Indigenous people. Of particular concern are those who have just received treatment from hospital, detoxification services or rehabilitation. The abundance and availability of alcohol creates a cycle of debt, poverty and dependence amongst Indigenous drinkers deters attempts by the Alice Springs community to address alcohol abuse.

It was important for the Indigenous community to be consulted and involved in supporting initiatives that focus on responsible liquor sales, responsible drinking and the rationalisation of liquor.

Indigenous people in Alice Springs support the Northern Territory Liquor Licensing Commission in targeting irresponsible liquor sales, but add that the Indigenous community needs to be involved and the rationalisation of liquor sales and initiatives to promote responsible drinking amongst Indigenous youth and families are much needed.

Australian Government initiatives to address petrol sniffing

The Australian Government rollout of subsidised OPAL unleaded fuel in remote communities has had a significant impact on the prevalence of petrol sniffing in over 60 communities in Central Australia. This result provides a unique window of opportunity to implement youth development programs and activities to engage youth at risk to establish a non-sniffing culture.

The Australian Government is funding $12million over 3 years towards Indigenous youth services across 4 Central Australian communities, however funding for prevention and intervention initiatives must be a long term investment to provide a secure future for Indigenous youth.

The Australian Government must also recognise that Top End communities in the Northern Territory also have significant problems with petrol sniffing and need assistance to address it, through the implementation of OPAL unleaded fuel, activities for youth, education and treatment programs that are developed and operate locally.

Aftercare issues for Indigenous clients who have received treatment.

After care treatment and support for Indigenous people who have received treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, particularly in areas where there are no health or alcohol and drug services, was essential for treatment to be fully effective.

After care and support is needed for Indigenous people particularly those returning to the community who have been incarcerated and/or received treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. Without support, rehabilitation and interventions are less likely to be effective, particularly when home detoxification is the only option available. Families also need support and advice on how to manage and care for a family member who has received treatment.

Improving access to treatment

For many reasons Indigenous people wishing to self-refer to treatment are unable to access treatment rehabilitation. The NT Government needs to consider more available beds and ways that will enable Indigenous people, particularly those in remote areas, to access treatment.

Transfer of knowledge to alcohol and drug services in remote areas

It was important for alcohol and drug services operating in Indigenous communities having current information on available best practices as well as government and philanthropic initiatives. Funding bodies need to be aware that services in remote areas of the Northern Territory have limited communication means and resources to access information that would enhance their services. It was also important for services to have up to date information on alcohol and other drugs.

Reduction in paint sniffing “chroming” in Alice Springs

A Northern Territory initiative to introduce a voluntary code of conduct for retailers of solvents and a kit designed to help retailers sell volatile substances in a responsible manner has been a successful solution in combating paint sniffing “chroming” in Alice Springs. The Central Australian Youth Link-Up Service, Tangentyere Council and other organisations such as the Alice Springs Town Council, the NT Chamber of Commerce and retailers were instrumental in the development of the kit, and have supported the approach through the responsible sale of solvents.

The importance of family in Indigenous culture when treating alcohol and drug problems

Indigenous community representatives advised that treatment for alcohol and drug problems for an Indigenous person cannot be separated from family; therefore it is important for services to recognise the family as a core component in the treatment and rehabilitation of a client. Alcohol and drug services in the Northern Territory recognise that services also need to be structured to take into account the needs of women undergoing treatment, to have their children with them and that alcohol and drug abuse may occur in family generations necessitating the need to involve family in the treatment and rehabilitation of a client. The Indigenous community is supportive of a family approach to the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse for Indigenous clients.

The development of a local workforce and local solutions to address alcohol and drug abuse in Indigenous communities

NIDAC was advised that community based treatment and rehabilitation is a preferred solution for remote Indigenous communities. Communities require assistance to develop and skill their local workforce, for resources and infrastructure to provide a locally based service for community members who want to address their alcohol and drug abuse and for those who have received treatment and need after care support. Community based treatment and rehabilitation managed by local workers allows an individual to remain with family and support systems within the community and receive treatment. A practical and community supported option would be to have local community trained alcohol and drug workers. It was agreed it would be useful to conduct a pilot to establish community based training.

Alcohol and Substance Misuse Management Plans

Some Indigenous communities were supportive of locally developed alcohol and substance misuse management plans. Plans that have shown some success are because of the involvement of the Indigenous community in the initial and ongoing development of the community alcohol and substance misuse management plans.

Interventions needed to reduce tobacco use

There is concern for the noticeable increase in the uptake of tobacco smoking amongst Indigenous youth despite recent national figures showing further declines in Australia’s tobacco smoking. Tobacco therapies such as nicotine patches were limited and unaffordable for Indigenous people wanting to reduce tobacco smoking.

Media portrayal of alcohol and drugs on television

There is a need to address the type of advertisements on television and the message they portray to Indigenous people, particularly young people. Advertisements attempt to make the product as attractive and appealing to the public as possible without raising awareness, education or where assistance can be sought for those who with alcohol or drug problem, or those people who are thinking of taking up alcohol or drugs.

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