Taking alcoholics off the streets

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
 
Sir – The second quarterly figures released today show the Government’s Alcohol Mandatory Treatment system is having a significant impact in taking chronic alcoholics off the streets and giving them the opportunity to turn their lives around.
 
In the first six months of operation, 206 people have been referred to the system – steering people away from the revolving door of protective custody and sobering up shelters, and placing problem drinkers in an environment to address their serious alcohol addiction.
 
Between July and December, 164 problem drinkers were placed on treatment orders. Of these, 155 people have so far completed orders of up to three months. There have been many success stories in the first six months of operation.
 
Our AMT system is providing a pathway for problem drinkers to address their alcohol abuse, reconnecting people with family and rebuilding their support networks in the community. In another positive step, 78 clients have been placed on 70 per cent income management for up to 12 months following the Federal Government granting welfare quarantining powers last year.
 
These powers provide a further tool to restrict people from accessing alcohol once they leave treatment.
 
Today we are opening the six month review of the AMT legislation which was committed to at the time it was passed in June last year. Given this is an entirely new system it is important to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Act and the way in which it facilitates access to treatment by people who repeatedly misuse alcohol.
 
Submissions for the review close on 14 February and can be sent to alcoholmandatorytreatment.doh@nt.gov.au
 
Robyn Lambley (pictured)

Minister for Alcohol Rehabilitation