fbpx Alcohol management plans in Queensland’s Indigenous communities: Perceived effectiveness of among service providers, stakeholders and community residents | NDARC - National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre

Alcohol management plans in Queensland’s Indigenous communities: Perceived effectiveness of among service providers, stakeholders and community residents

Alcohol management plans in Queensland’s Indigenous communities: Perceived effectiveness of among service providers, stakeholders and community residents

Presenter: Michelle Fitts

Author names: Michelle S Fitts1,2

1Menzies School of Health Research, Alice Springs, Northern Territory

2Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland

Author affiliations: Alan R. Clough2

2Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland

Introduction: In 2002/03 the Queensland Government responded to high rates of alcohol-related harm in Indigenous communities by implementing alcohol management plans (AMPs). Designed to include supply and harm reduction as well as treatment measures, the alcohol supply and carriage restrictions were tightened in 2008. Prior to this study, no comprehensive review of the plans had been conducted.

Aims: The study aim was to understand and document what effect the AMPs have had on Indigenous community residents and service providers living and working in the affected communities.

Methods: Between May 2013 and June 2015, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (n = 382) who were i) known by or referred to the research team as highly-regarded and knowledgeable; or (ii) had lived in or serviced the affected communities and towns in the region; or (iii) had a current role in a service in the region with a mandate for managing the issues and consequences surrounding alcohol and AMPs policies. Using an inductive framework, interviews were analysed to understand the favourable and unfavourable outcomes experienced or perceived. Comments reflecting themes were assessed across service sectors, by gender, Indigenous status and remoteness.

Results: Participants attributed reduced violence to AMPs, particularly for ‘very remote’ communities. Within the narratives, participants suggested that these important achievements happened abruptly but may have since been undermined over time by: the availability of illicit alcohol (‘sly grog’); migration to larger centres to seek alcohol; criminalisation; changed drinking behaviours and discrimination. Most issues were more frequently linked with ‘very remote’ communities where there was total prohibition.

Implications: Alcohol restrictions in Queensland's Indigenous communities may have brought favourable changes, a significant achievement after a long period of poorly regulated alcohol availability from the 1980s up to 2002. However, over the past decade, consumption of illicit alcohol appears to have emerged. Fresh policy and community-led action are required with rigorous monitoring to minimise erosion of initial important successes. Demand reduction, treatment and diversion efforts are also required.