Urgent alcohol inquiry demand
02.12.1999
THE roles and responsibilities of government agencies, Aboriginal organisations and individuals should be clearly spelt out in a memorandum of understanding, the women's task force has recommended.
The report reserves its strongest language for issues concerning alcohol consumption -- with a demand on the Queensland Government that an urgent inquiry be set up into the sale and management of alcohol in communities and the control of sly-grogging and drug dealing.
It also states that government must recognise the value of education in the prevention of crime and family violence and the role of education as an early intervention agent.
As well, the task force called for ``unequivocal support and immediate action'' from governments, ATSIC and Aboriginal councils to pursue initiatives to retain and strengthen family units and promote harmony in communities.
The report recommended a public forum be held to discuss its findings.
It also suggested that each two years a ministerial summit be held to review progress.
The task force's 123 recommendations also included:
* Community councils and staff should receive compulsory training on local government by-laws and management.
* An indigenous women's network be established to ensure women's input at all levels of government.
* Federal and state governments should aid communities to develop business enterprises.
* A working party be established to develop strategies to achieve economic independence and viability.
* Serious consideration be given to using remote indigenous communities in a strategic approach to national coastal surveillance and security. Indigenous people should be trained to monitor and detect illegal activities.
* Indigenous people must be included with all Australian agencies involved in strategies to fight illicit alcohol and drug trade.
* Revenue from each community's liquor sales should go toward rehabilitation of alcoholics.
* Manufacturers of alcohol must accept liability for rehabilitation and treatment programmes and systems for the safe disposal of bottles and cans. Glass containers are too dangerous.
* The Queensland Government in collaboration with community councils should investigate the viability of trialling alcohol-free environments in two remote communities. If successful, it should be extended to other communities that request it.
* Education Queensland must expand the life-skills component presently taught in schools to be inclusive of indigenous families and to encourage parent participation.
* The educational disadvantage of indigenous youth in detention centres must be addressed.
* Queensland Health and indigenous people must develop an prevention programme for indigenous elders.
* The state of indigenous housing must be urgently addressed by community councils and government, particularly regarding the welfare of women and children.
* There is an urgent need to provide and upgrade facilities for people escaping violence. Shelters must be provided in all communities.
* There must be continuous family-education programmes as reminders of the rights of children, child advocacy issues and that violence is a criminal offence.
