Bring back NT drink register: Macklin - Sydney Morning Herald

AAP

The federal government wants the Northern Territory to bring back its Banned Drinkers Register (BDR), but has stopped short of threatening to force the scheme's re-adoption.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin on Tuesday was in Darwin to release guidelines for alcohol management plans in the NT.

"We have called on the NT government to reinstate the Banned Drinkers Register," Ms Macklin told reporters.

She met with people representing peak Aboriginal groups and said they had made it clear they understood the damage alcohol was doing to their communities.

"That is why they support the development of alcohol management plans. That is why Aboriginal people support the introduction of the banned drinkers register," Ms Macklin said.

The register meant anyone buying takeaway alcohol had to have identification, such as a driver's licence. scanned. About 2000 problem drinkers were on a list denying them purchase of alcohol.

But the Country Liberal Party (CLP), which took office in the NT in August last year, said the BDR did not work and scrapped the measure.

Deputy Chief Minister Robyn Lambley recently told the federal government it was an "absolute nonsense" for Canberra to tell the NT how it should implement alcohol policies.

Ms Macklin said she would meet NT Chief Minister Terry Mills later in the day and ask him to re-introduce the BDR.

When asked whether the federal government would force the NT to re-impose the BDR, Ms Macklin said she wanted to work with the NT government.

Fellow Labor MP Warren Snowdon said the days when the federal government imposed measures on the NT should be over.

"We are past the day when the commonwealth should have to intervene in the Northern Territory," Mr Snowdon said.

Ms Macklin was asked whether some communities would be able to have alcohol restrictions lifted under the new guidelines.

"It is not about how to bring back full strength beer," she said.

"I certainly won't be agreeing to any alcohol management plans that don't reduce harm."

But a fact sheet on the new guidelines shows communities can seek to have restrictions lifted.

"Applications will be considered very carefully to make sure improvements to the safety of women, children and families in communities are not lost," the sheet states.