CLP promises to get tough on petrol sniffing

The Northern Territory Opposition says the spread of petrol sniffing to the Tiwi Islands shows the risks of delaying efforts to tackle the habit.

Community Services Minister Marion Scrymgour spotted sniffers at Nguiu on Bathurst Island north of Darwin earlier this week.

Opposition health spokeswoman Jodeen Carney says the Country Liberal Party (CLP) would make petrol sniffing an offence.

But she says the anti-sniffing legislation passed earlier this month needs to be acted on by giving police the power to seize and tip out petrol.

"The legislation frankly seems to be waiting on just about everything," Ms Carney said.

"There are no guidelines in place as to who can do what, no protocols in place, no people employed, no people appointed, the list goes on.

"And that was part of the reason we were very embarrassed that the Minister introduced this legislation when she did.

"She needs to do everything she can to implement that legislation.

"While sniffing still is legal in the Northern Territory at least the legislation will give police the powers to tip out petrol and that's a start."

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Thur, 26 May 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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