On behalf of the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) Board, representing Aboriginal community-controlled health services across the Kimberley region of Western Australia, we stand against the push for more liquor restrictions without simultaneous investment in comprehensive alcohol and other drugs (AOD) services, planning and infrastructure.
Every day, we see the harmful effects caused by alcohol misuse on Kimberley people, families, and communities and acknowledge 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.
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.
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.
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 introduction of the BDR Bill 2023, allowing medical officers and social workers to recommend individuals to the BDR, 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.
This statement underscores 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.
*From the Kimberley Aboriginal community-controlled health service sector comprising: Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), Beagle Bay Futures Indigenous Community Aboriginal Organisation, Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange, Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Services, Derby Aboriginal Health Service, Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation, Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services, Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service, and Yura Yungi Medical Service.
