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Minister welcomes alcohol inquiry
supplied by Sen Scullion’s office 15 February 2014
M
inister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, today welcomed the announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into the impact of alcohol on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. “We all know the terrible impact of alcohol on Indigenous communities and it’s important that we tackle this issue head-on,” the Minister said. “This inquiry will focus on best practice to shapes programmes and practices that will reduce the scourge of alcohol in Indigenous communities. “I have worked closely with the Chair of the Committee and
Senator Nigel Scullion pictured with children from West Arnhem College said, “Getting children to school and receiving a quality education is absolutely paramount to building strong and sustainable communities and providing real employment opportunities for future generations. Strong communities cannot be built on alcohol or other substance abuse.” Image: The Australian
Members to ensure the terms of reference provide a full picture of the factors, both internal and external to communities that contribute to the problems associated with alcohol. “The Abbott Government reiterated this week in releasing the Closing the Gap report, its absolute commitment to improving the circumstances of First Australians. “Getting children to school and receiving a quality education is absolutely paramount to building strong and sustainable communities and providing real employment opportunities for future generations. “Strong communities cannot be
built on alcohol or other substance abuse. “Communities where there is a generation of people living with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome can have little hope for the future. “Everyone has a role to play in this. “Governments, at all levels, Land Councils and community leaders must unite in battling this epidemic which is crippling far too many people in communities right across Australia or risk condemning these communities to a life of alcoholfuelled poverty.” Details of the inquiry are available at http://goo.gl/MWfZfk
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