Top End kava ban pleases researcher

ONE of the Territory's most prominent health researchers has welcomed the ban on kava sales across the Top End.

Former Menzies School of Health research fellow Dr Alan Clough, now an Associate Professor at Townsville's James Cook University, expects the blanket ban to have a dramatic impact on health in Arnhem Land communities.

"The decision is consistent with what health professionals have been recommending since the legal sale of kava was introduced," he said.

"Kava is used much more heavily than what is recommended and the money spent could be better used elsewhere."

Dr Clough said while it was a concern those who use kava may turn to alcohol or illicit drugs, he was confident the ban would result in a positive outcome.

"The police have been doing a good job cracking down on the black market in kava already so I don't see illicit drugs or alcohol being a big problem," he said.

Kava could be bought legally from five East Arnhem communities up until last month when the Federal Government outlawed its importation as part of its intervention to stamp out sexual abuse in remote communities.

Laynhapuy Homelands Association deputy Ric Norton said the decision to ban kava would have a devastating impact on East Arnhem communities.

"Once kava supplies run out people are going to gravitate to alcohol and illicit drugs," Mr Norton said.

"It will also be good for those behind the black market."

Mr Norton said his association spends $1 million a year on infrastructure projects from kava profits and is concerned communities will now miss out.

"If we don't have that money to spend on infrastructure, is the Federal Government going to?" he said.

"I very much doubt it."

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Sun, 15 July 2007
Source: Sunday Territorian (Australia)
Reporter: Greg McLean
Contact: sundayterritorian@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au