Fed Govt cracks down on kava

The Federal Government is trying to stamp out kava abuse in Indigenous communities, by cracking down on the importation of the substance.

It is particularly prevalent in communities in far north Australia.

All licenses to sell kava will be revoked in three months.

But adults will be allowed to bring up to two kilograms of the substance in recognition of its traditional cultural use for Pacific Islanders.

The Health Minister, Tony Abbott, says kava is a serious social problem.

"Individuals can import a very small amount of kava for traditional purposes, but tradeable quantities will no longer be brought into this country," he said.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Wed, 27 June 2007
Source: Australian Broadcasting Commission (Australia-Web)
Website: http://www.abc.net.au/