Breakthrough on Kimberley Banned Drinkers Register

Published on 15 December 2020

The implementation of the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) across the Kimberley is one step closer thanks to collaboration between the region’s four Councils and the State Government.

WA Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia has confirmed the State’s intention to assist the Shires of Broome, Derby/West Kimberley, Halls Creek and Wyndham/East Kimberley with rolling out the BDR and Takeaway Alcohol Management System (TAMS) in the near future.

At last Thursday night’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, Shire of Broome Councillors unanimously committed to reducing alcohol-related harm in the region by pledging to support the two-year BDR trial.

The BDR has been rolled out by the State Government across the Pilbara, with a similar initiative anticipated in the Kimberley.

The TAMS will allow for monitoring of daily alcohol purchases under the current Section 31 restrictions imposed by the State Government at the request of the Kimberley Regional Group.

Following consultation with licencees, the units would be installed across all liquor outlets in Broome to prevent people from exceeding pre-determined limits or purchasing excess alcohol by visiting multiple stores.

Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said Council’s decision came just days after residents had highlighted and reiterated the negative impacts of alcohol-related harm at the Shire’s Community Safety Forum.

“The community continues to voice its concerns around the excessive consumption of alcohol and associated anti-social behaviour throughout Broome,” he said.

“This is having a devastating impact on the Broome community by contributing to anti-social behaviour, itinerancy and crime.

“Collaboration between the State, the Kimberley’s local governments and retailers is needed moving forward and I’m delighted we’ve managed to reach this point together.

“While not being a silver bullet to magically solve the issues, I firmly believe that these measures will go some way to improving the situation we are currently in.

“I’d like to thank Minister Papalia and the State Government for their consideration and assistance in this vitally important project.”