Fitzroy Crossing report on the impact of alcohol restrictions

A new report released today gives a 12 month snapshot of some of the changes that have occurred at Fitzroy Crossing since the restriction on the sale of take away alcohol was implemented on 2 October 2007.

Mental Health Minister Dr Graham Jacobs, said although a more comprehensive report conducted by the University of Notre Dame would be released later this year, this initial data analysis provided an opportunity to track some of the occurring trends.

"Key findings of this report show that overall the liquor restriction in Fitzroy Crossing has had positive results on the community and many of the key services." Dr Jacobs said.

"Restricting alcohol can offer people and communities an opportunity to change behaviour and alter the way alcohol is being consumed to improve safety and reduce the level of harm that is happening.

"However, the liquor restriction was never intended as a complete solution to the health and social issues associated with problematic drinking in Fitzroy Crossing, and we need to keep working with the community to build on what has been achieved so far.

"From police data we can see a significant reduction in the number of alcohol-related incidents being attended, down 28 per cent since the restrictions were implemented.

"There has been an increase in the number of domestic violence incidents being reported, up 23 per cent, which might indicate that people are more likely to speak up now and are less tolerant of accepting drink-fuelled bad behaviour.

"Alcohol-related emergency department presentations at the Fitzroy Crossing hospital were down by 36 per cent, with hospital staff reporting a reduction in the severity of injury presentations since the restrictions were put in place."

The Drug and Alcohol Office compiled the statistical report for the Fitzroy Crossing Alcohol and Other Drug Management Committee to monitor some of the impacts of the Fitzroy Crossing alcohol restrictions, but a full report is being conducted by the University of Notre Dame.

The Notre Dame report will contain a more detailed review of the restriction including qualitative feedback and community and business perceptions, and is expected to be released later this year.

The Fitzroy Crossing Alcohol and Other Drug Management Committee was established to focus on issues related to excessive alcohol and drug use, and includes representatives from WA police; the Drug and Alcohol Office; WA Country Health Services; hotel licensees and local non-government organisations Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services, Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre, and Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Committee.