The CLP Finocchiaro Government has tonight delivered on its commitment to remove the minimum floor price for alcohol.
The Liquor Legislation Amendment (Repeal of Minimum Pricing) Bill 2024 here has passed through Parliament.
The floor price, also known as the Minimum Unit Price (MUP), was introduced by the former Labor Government in 2018 based on ideology.
It failed to achieve meaningful outcomes while imposing unnecessary burdens on responsible consumers and businesses.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said: “Unlike the previous government, the CLP is focused on real reforms which deliver meaningful and fair results for all Territorians.”
“The CLP Government has listened to the concerns of the community and industry, ensuring policy is rooted in evidence and effectiveness,” she said.
“We promised that 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security for Territorians.”
Ms Boothby emphasised that removing the minimum floor price aligned with the CLP’s commitment to a practical and effective approach to alcohol policy.
“We are committed to supporting a strong hospitality sector while ensuring alcohol policy is responsible, targeted, and evidence-based,” said Ms Boothby.
“Since the introduction of the floor price, Labor has been asleep at the wheel. We will not maintain the status quo – we will balance individual responsibility with real measures to address alcohol-related harm.”
Key Points:
Labor’s floor price failed to reduce alcohol-related harm.Rather than achieving its objective, the floor price drove problem drinkers towards higher alcohol products – such as spirits and pre-mixed drink.The floor price has failed to reduce alcohol consumption – it has simply driven people to switch to stronger spirits in glass bottles, which can then be used as weapons.Alcohol-related assaults in the NT increased by 38% under 8 years of Labor, further proving the ineffectiveness of the floor price in tackling alcohol-related harm.No other Australian state or territory uses a floor price as an alcohol harm and reduction strategy.Targeted, evidence-based measures such as Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors (PALIs) at bottle shops are a more effective solution for ensuring responsible alcohol sales.
“Having a beer at the pub with mates or sharing a bottle of wine over dinner – these are part of the Territory lifestyle, which we are committed to restoring. Governments should not get in the way of that,” said Ms Boothby.
“We will continue monitoring alcohol-related harm in the community, and work with licensees and agencies to help minimise alcohol related harm through reduction strategies.
“We need solutions that address the complexities of alcohol-related harm, not blanket policies that punish the majority for the actions of a few.
“This is a line in the sand. Scrapping the floor price demonstrates our government’s commitment to real, meaningful change.
“We will not continue with the status quo. We are dedicated to delivering policies that work for all Territorians.”
