Local decisions are the best decisions.
The Gove Peninsula Harmony Group is trialling new purchasing limits for takeaway alcohol from October 2023 until March 2024 in an effort to combat secondary supply and rising rates of alcohol related crime and domestic and family violence on the Gove Peninsula.
During this six-month trial, the existing six-level permit system will be replaced by a new four-tier system to better align with local aspirations for stronger and healthier communities across the Gove Peninsula
The trial imposes daily limits on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased by permit holders, varying by tier and location within the Gove Peninsula. People with a current liquor permit will not have to reapply. Current unrestricted permit holders will migrate to the new top tier.
All take away liquor outlets under the previous scheme will automatically transition to the new trial system.
The trial is a response to the request of the Gove Peninsula Harmony Group, comprised of community leaders, key organisations and Traditional Owners.
Everyone on the Gove Peninsula is encouraged to provide feedback during the trial period via the NT Government’s Have Your Say web page.
Along with community feedback, an evaluation of the trial will be undertaken to help inform Gove Peninsula Harmony Group recommendations regarding the permit system.
Quotes attributed Chief Minister and Minister for Alcohol Policy Natasha Fyles:
“Locally based alcohol decisions are the best decisions.
“The Gove Peninsula Harmony Group is an example of how communities and government can work together to get the outcome the community wants.
“The primary objective of these changes is to enhance community safety and combat secondary supply of alcohol, where alcohol purchased legally is distributed to those without permits.”
Quotes attributed to Gumatj leader, Djawa Yunupingu:
“We are supportive of better local alcohol management as we have seen the damages alcohol causes too often.
“We want to take a step forward in building a more tolerant community and create social changes.
“We are taking actions to build a better future for this region and we hope all community members understand the role they have to play in this challenging enterprise”
Quotes attributed to Rirratjingu leader, Mandaka Marika:
“Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation supports removing the top unrestricted tier of the permit system and supports setting a maximum take-away limit to reduce secondary supply of alcohol”
Northern Territory Government
