Call For Indigenous Consultation On Kava

The decision that the Martin Labor Government would seek to have a national ban on kava so as to control kava abuse in Arnhemland is very hasty, according to Shadow Minister for Health, Dr Richard Lim.

"I voice caution to the Martin Labor Government that it should not be too hasty in its decision to seek a national ban on kava to control kava abuse in Arnhemland without first consulting aboriginal and other affected people,” Dr Lim said.

"I was contacted today by community elders at Yirrkala asking that before any decision is made about kava, that their community's opinion should be sought."

"That was the thrust of my motion in Parliament yesterday, asking for a statement from the Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing to be presented in Parliament and that the statement referred to the Select Committee on Substance Abuse in the Community to investigate with input from communities in East Arnhemland about kava use and abuse."

"Regretfully, the motion was defeated by the Government.” Dr Lim said.

"The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency last night flagged that the Martin Labor Government would prefer to see kava ban at a national level to control kava abuse in East Arnhemland."

"This would create a kava drought in the first instance, and push kava drinkers to alcohol and the associated problems with violent antisocial behaviour and violent family disruption."

"Does the Northern Territory have enough problems now with alcohol abuse without adding more to it through the substitution of kava for alcohol?"

"The question has also to be asked whether a national ban on kava will prevent or increase smuggling of kava through Australian ports and along the Top End coastline, and there is a lot of that coastline."

"Would a ban on kava be more helpful or cause the Northern Territory Government to lose all control over the flow of kava?"

"While the Police seem to be stopping around 1000-1500 kg of blackmarket kava a year, would the government have enough policing resources to ensure that illicit kava is not smuggled in at greater quantities than it is now?"

2006-04-01