The Northern Territory government has come under fire for suggesting that pokie and liquor licenses should be introduced into remote Aboriginal communities across the state. The Labour Party opposes the idea, claiming that it is socially irresponsible. However, the Giles Government maintains that it is an issue of freedom of choice.
Treasurer Dave Tollner argues that it is discriminatory to keep Aboriginals away from gambling and alcohol. He believes that it is a right for NT residents to have access to pokies and pubs that serve alcohol, and that it should not be denied to those living in remote Aboriginal communities. “Is Labor saying Aboriginal people should not have the same rights as everybody else?”
Mr Tollner said in an email that was obtained by the Herald Sun. He also notes that these communities are losing business due to the lack of adult entertainment available. Residents are choosing to visit bigger cities in order to play pokies and drink alcohol in pubs, which is causing remote communities to shrink.
“We think that social clubs on communities can reduce the number of people leaving communities and at the same time allow greater community responsibility of drinking,” he says. Still, it seems like quite risky decision. Previous studies have revealed that gambling addiction has a higher prevalence among Aboriginal communities, and there are not enough resources in these communities to deal with these issues.
Labor Leader Delia Lawrie has suggested that a social impact assessment should be conducted before a final decision is made. Before bringing pokies into vulnerable communities, it is important to understand just how individuals and the community as a whole will be affected.
However, there is no word yet on whether or not the Giles Government has taken heed of this advice.
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