Former Committees - Substance Abuse

9th Assembly Reports and Publications - Tabling Statement

Madam Speaker, I table the evidence submitted to the Select Committee on Substance Abuse in the Community since the tabling of the Committee's Interim Report on 27 February 2003, until the present time. This is in three parts. There are two volumes of transcripts of hearings and briefings and one of submissions. Evidence deemed by the Committee to be in camera is excluded.

These papers are tabled in acknowledgment of the establishment of a review team by the Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing charged with developing a comprehensive alcohol framework for the Northern Territory. This team is required to provide an interim report by Christmas, and a final report by May 2003. The evidence provided to the Select Committee will be an important resource for the project team and will provide direction to them as they draft the framework. The Select Committee has played and continues to play an important role in addressing the devastating impact which alcohol abuse has upon the Northern Territory.

While alcohol abuse is only one aspect of substance abuse, its contribution to violent crime, road trauma, mortality and morbidity levels and social dysfunction in the Territory is overwhelming. Members of the Committee are unanimous in their intention to work closely with the project team to reduce the tragic level of alcohol abuse in the Northern Territory. The Committee has considered for some time that the evidence presented to it indicates a lack of cohesion and coordination in addressing alcohol issues across agencies. It is hoped that this, especially, will be addressed by the project team as they develop an alcohol framework for the Northern Territory.

Membership
Mrs J Aagaard, MLA (Chair)
Ms S Carter, MLA
Mr L Kiely, MLA
Mrs F Miller, MLA
Mr E McAdam, MLA
Mr G Wood, MLA

Contact Details
Mr Russell Keith
Clerk Assistant, Committees
Telephone: (08) 8946 1429
Fax: (08) 8946 1420
Email: russell.keith@nt.gov.au

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