Alcohol restrictions in Western Australia's far north will do little to tackle the health issue of substances abuse, the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services warned on Thursday.
The KAMS Board, representing Aboriginal community-controlled health services across the Kimberley region of WA, said it stands against the push for more liquor restrictions "without simultaneous investment in comprehensive alcohol and other drugs (AOD) services, planning and infrastructure".
The Board said it sees "the harmful effects caused by alcohol misuse on Kimberley people, families, and communities" every day, and acknowledges proposals for further restrictions in Broome and Derby, and changes implemented through the Liquor Control Amendment (Banned Drinkers Register (BDR)) Bill 2023.
"We recognise the devastating impact of alcohol but believe that simply increasing restrictions is not the answer," they said.
"We do not oppose restrictions, but emphasise the need for a holistic approach, combining health, social, and diversionary strategies to support community-led responses to alcohol related harm within the region.
"Reform requires collaboration between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, governments, and communities. Instead of more restrictions, governments must invest in our sector, specialist Aboriginal AOD services like Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation, and other Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to enhance AOD services and develop comprehensive, effective approaches to alcohol problems, including alternatives to criminalisation."
The Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Board noted that without adequate support, increased restrictions could unintentionally harm individuals and communities, potentially leading to punitive outcomes rather than health improvements.
"The lack of a regional plan for alcohol and drug misuse, combined with insufficient resources for tackling related issues like family and domestic violence, demands urgent government action," the Board said.
"Furthermore, the sensationalist portrayal of alcohol use in the region by the media contributes to a negative and harmful stereotype of this being "an Aboriginal issue", underlining the need for an informed and respectful public discourse."
The KAMS said the introduction of the BDR Bill 2023, which allows medical officers and social workers to recommend individuals to the Banned Drinkers Register, has "proceeded without proper consultation with our sector, and particularly our medical staff".
"Our senior medical officers uphold the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights – they respect patient autonomy and the integrity of our comprehensive primary health care clinics as safe spaces, and our clinics will not be referring patients to the BDR. They may however support patients who choose to self-refer," they said.
Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services stressed the necessity for a "balanced, community-supported approach" to alcohol misuse, "emphasising collaboration, comprehensive planning, and respect for the autonomy and dignity of Kimberley communities".
"We urge the WA government to listen to the voices of Kimberley people, who have been crying out for years for increased investment in health, social and diversionary approaches that will support Kimberley people and communities to respond to the harm caused by alcohol," they said.
WA Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia told National Indigenous Times that alcohol-related harm is "a scourge on communities".
"A broad range of alcohol and other drug (AOD) support services are on offer throughout the Kimberley," he said.
"We know that there is no silver bullet when it comes to reducing alcohol-related harm, which is why we are working across portfolios on a suite of strategies.
"We continue to monitor demand for AOD services in the Kimberley."
WA's Mental Health Commission provides funding for a range of alcohol and other drug treatment services in the Kimberley, including specialist outpatient alcohol and other drug counselling, support and prevention services.
