13 February 2023

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians is concerned about the recent increase in alcohol-related violence in Alice Springs and urges the Federal Government to work in partnership with Aboriginal peak bodies and local community leaders to address the impacts to the community.

RACP President Dr Jacqueline Small says “The RACP has consulted with the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and supports their efforts to systematically address this issue through the leadership of Aboriginal people.

“We support local ongoing conversations between Aboriginal leaders including the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress with local community to ensure that the voice of First Nation’s people is heard on the serious changes to Alcohol laws in Alice Springs.

“We advocate for and support the community in self-determination and ask that the Federal Government work closely with and gain a full understanding of what the Alice Springs priorities are from community representatives.

“The RACP recognises that without self-determination it is not possible for First Nations people to thrive. There is strong evidence that Aboriginal communities are safer and healthier with community-driven alcohol management measures.

"The ongoing history of colonisation, dispossession and marginalisation, including the legacy of the stolen generations and the experience of institutional racism, has had a profound and lasting effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their health and wellbeing across generations.

"This means that solutions need to be led by Aboriginal communities and receive long term regulatory and funding support.

“While the response announced to date is welcome, a broader package of measures is needed to enhance community safety and support and address the underlying causes of the issue. These measures could include:

• Legislation restricting the supply of alcohol. The specific design of legislative measures should be carefully considered in consultation with the community.

• Ensuring that Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are properly resourced to provide health education, care, treatment and support, including provision of domestic violence services.

• Provision of culturally safe and appropriate alcohol rehabilitation services in Alice Springs.

• Programs to address the social determinants of health, including poor housing and homelessness, employment and education to build community resilience and enable people to thrive. There needs to be urgent investment in high quality, safe housing to reduce overcrowding and improve the basic standard of living of people in Aboriginal communities.

• Access to education, for example by expanding early childhood education to all 3 year olds would ensure that children have the best start.

• Improving wraparound services, including trauma counselling, screening for developmental disability and culturally safe alcohol and other drug treatment programs co-designed with Aboriginal communities.

• Providing incentives for teachers, nurses and other critical support workers to stay in community to ensure continuity of care and support.

“We remain focused on working in partnership with the Federal Government, Northern Territory Government and local communities, because we know that the best solutions come from local communities themselves.” Dr Small said.