Cox Peninsula Community Government Council
Dear Minister
Re: Aboriginal Drunkenness
I wish to draw to your attention an obvious increase in Aboriginal drunkenness within our area since signs banning alcohol from the Belyuen Aboriginal Community in the Northern Territory were placed on the Cox Peninsula Road.
We have always had a problem, however it is evident that since the Intervention Program was seriously considered at Belyuen, there has been a marked increase in the number of intoxicated Aboriginals congregating at the Mandorah jetty and Wagait Beach Supermarket. All the intervention has done is shift the problem from the Belyuen community to our community.
When intoxicated, not only are they loud, they become aggressive and abusive. I’m sure you would agree that elderly people and young girls should not have to be subjected to or witness this type of behavior.
Although this behavior can be observed on almost a daily basis, the most prevalent time is the week of pay week/dole week/ benefit payment week. Numbers tend to swell and there is no regard for the law whatsoever.
We do receive the support of the police, however not having a permanent police presence within the area, the response time would at the best be less than one hour.
With the Government’s intervention program now in place, the Belyuen community has been short changed by not having a permanent police presence. All we have now is a more volatile community that has brought about a terrible misfortune to the residents of Wagait Beach. A permanent police presence at Belyuen is the only chance we have if there is going to be any improvement in behavior.
On behalf of the Council I thank you for your support and cooperation with this matter
Yours faithfully
Peter Clee
President