11 June 2009

An evaluation by Menzies School of Health Research into the current Alcohol Management Plan (AMP) in Alice Springs released today calls for a more ‘holistic approach’ in order to make inroads into the spiraling alcohol problems facing the Alice Springs community.

The Northern Territory Government commissioned the Evaluation into the effectiveness of the current AMP which has been in place since 2006.

Main author of the report, Dr Kate Senior of Menzies, says the restrictions have only been in place a short time however some indicators suggest the AMP are having is positive effect.

The data retrieved from alcohol harm related indicators, randomised interviews with Alice Springs residents (350), public submissions, town camp interviews and targeted interview with interested groups do point to the current AMP having a positive effect, however the problems are ‘complex and enduring’.

Current data indicates overall alcohol consumption is down by 18%, that there has been a decrease in alcohol related hospitalisation, and there is evidence that the severity of assaults has declined since the introduction of the AMP.

The report notes the success of the current AMP measures but also recommends that before current restrictions are tightened further there needs to be extensive community consultation, education and a social marketing campaign. Such initiatives need to highlight that alcohol misuse is a problem of both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Alice Springs and focus on encouraging the community to consider ways to deal with the problem. There is also a need for better monitoring and evaluation on the ground as well as resources for additional staffing and the restructuring of the Alice Springs Alcohol Working Group.

The report also notes that the inability to drink in public or in town camps has created a culture of resistance in Alice Springs among some Indigenous residents which creates a divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.

The report calls on the Northern Territory Government to be aware and respond to the unintended consequences of the current restrictions, especially the needs of drinkers who move out of the town’s boundaries to drink. Consideration needs to be made of the harm reduction strategies that may be necessary to support this group of people and their family.

Lead author Dr Senior notes that the current set of restrictions provide a good platform for the implementation of the broader range of measures associated with the AMP but that it is clear that this must be done in close consultation with the community.

“Although some of the community and government initiatives are having a positive effect some of the initiatives, such as certain restrictions, can and should not be considered, on their own, as long-term solutions; and none of the strategies in the report are quick fixes. They require extensive intergovernmental cooperation and an investment of resources and time.”

"It's now time for extensive consultation with the Alice Springs community to really work out as a community how to go forward with a strengthened, more effective and longer term alcohol management pla

A copy of the full report is available by clicking here

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Media Contact:
Alexandra Boston, Media Communications Officer, Menzies School of Health Research
M: 0423 345 385 T: 08 89226914 E: alexandra.boston@menzies.edu.au