Alcohol misuse in Indigenous communities to be focus of federal inquiry

The federal government's plan for an inquiry into alcohol-related violence across the nation has led to some confusion.

Alcohol-fuelled violence

(AAP)

On Wednesday, Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion seemed to be calling for a broad ranging inquiry covering all Australians.

But the Coalition government later put that down to a misunderstanding, with a spokesman for Senator Scullion saying the inquiry would only look into alcohol misuse in Indigenous communities.

The call has been welcomed by the Northern Territory's People's Action Alcohol Coalition but John Boffa from the group has told NITV News it should focus on all Australians.

"We think that its really important that there is an inquiry led by the Commonwealth Government and the leadership shown for the inquiry is very good new," Mr Boffa said.

"This is an issue that has to be addressed across the whole nation it's a problem everywhere,particularly binge drinking amongst young people and many of the best policy options that we know work are best implemented at the federal level.


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: NITV News


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world