Alcohol management plans in Indigenous communities in Queensland (Australia) may have unintended implications for the care of children.

Michelle S. Fitts,Katrina Bird,Alan R. Clough

doi:10.1186/s40352-016-0039-5

Abstract

BackgroundIndigenous children in Australia are more likely than non-Indigenous children to be in contact with the child safety system. A large number of Queensland’s Indigenous population live in remote and isolated communities in north Queensland where the state government's Alcohol Management Plans (AMPs) are in effect. In these communities it is an offence to have in one’s possession more than the regulated amount and type of alcohol. A breach of these restrictions can result in convictions under the Liquor Act 1992.FindingsDuring an evaluation of AMPs, influential stakeholders and key service providers voiced their belief that a conviction for a breach of the AMP would impact a person’s eligibility to hold a Positive Notice Blue Card (PNBC). On its own, however, a breach of the Liquor Act 1992 will not impact a person’s eligibility for a PNBC. A PNBC is required for any person volunteering or working with children. Without a PNBC, a person is ineligible to work in child-related employment, volunteer at child-related activities or provide out-of-home care for children.ConclusionThis misconception needs to be addressed in these already-disadvantaged communities to ensure that Indigenous community members have every opportunity to hold a PNBC. Focused strategies with evaluation and research are needed in this important policy area.

Highlights

This misconception needs to be addressed in these already-disadvantaged communities to ensure that Indigenous community members have every opportunity to hold a Positive Notice Blue Card (PNBC)
In the Australian state of Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) children are overrepresented in the child safety system, and were 8.3 times more likely than non-Indigenous children to be in out-ofhome care in 2013/14 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2015)
Views of key community service providers and stakeholders During interviews, key stakeholders, service providers and influential community leaders working in the areas of justice and Indigenous children's advocacy frequently asserted the view that criminal convictions resulting from Liquor Act breaches make it difficult for community members to achieve a PNBC

Summary

Introduction

At the 2011 census, there were 69,156 Indigenous children in Queensland, of these, 9.5 % (6,537) lived in the 19 remote and isolated, These alcohol control policies are known as Alcohol Management Plans (AMPs). A large number of Queensland’s Indigenous population live in remote and isolated communities in north Queensland where the state government's Alcohol Management Plans (AMPs) are in effect. In these communities it is an offence to have in one’s possession more than the regulated amount and type of alcohol. A breach of these restrictions can result in convictions under the Liquor Act 1992

Methods

Results

Conclusion