CLP unimpressed with petrol sniffing plan

The CLP says it is disappointed with early indications from the Northern Territory Government about its plans for tackling petrol sniffing.

The Government has said it will introduce legislation in September giving police and night patrols powers to take substance abusers into protective custody.

The new laws would also allow for the disposal of inhalants and for sniffers to be put in crisis accommodation while they complete treatment orders.

But Shadow Attorney-General Jodeen Carney says it appears the Government has rejected her calls for sniffing to be made illegal.

"It seems as though the two parties can't agree on whether or not it should be made illegal," she said.

"My strong view is that there needs to be a carrot and stick approach.

"Surely if we are saying to young territorians sniffing petrol and other substances does you great harm then it should necessarily follow I would have thought that it should be made illegal."

Ms Carney says substantially more resources would be needed for the treatment plan to work.

"There are some outstations in Alice Springs that deal with sniffing but given the crisis, and it is a crisis, surely Government would not only announce a legislative package but a package to deal with sniffing in a broader community sense and that needs resources, so I'd like to know what the Government proposes in that regard," she said.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 6 June 2004
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation News Online
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Copyright: 2004 Australian Broadcasting Corporation