2016-02-12
The Government has announced plans to mandate non-sniffable fuel in Katherine to combat the scourge of petrol sniffing in the community.
The Gulf region including Townsville, and Halls Creek in the East Kimberley were identified as future priorities in 2016 and today the Minister for Indigenous Affairs finalised arrangements for the roll-out in Tennant Creek.
“It is good to see the Minister plans to ban the sale of regular unleaded fuel in NT and WA communities struggling with petrol sniffing.
“When my private members Bill was passed in 2013 it gave the Minister power to mandate low-aromatic fuel and make it an offence to supply regular fuel in particular places. I welcome these examples of the Government using the levers from my private members bill.
“This legislative tool was used for the first time on Palm Island at the end of 2015. Although I welcome the Minister taking action and rolling out the measure in another community suffering from petrol sniffing, it is distressing that the situation has come to this.
“This Act is about helping communities affected by petrol sniffing by complementing the existing strategies and programs. Consultation and flexibility are at the heart of these measures and were a very big part of the legislation’s development.
“In estimates today we were told there was overwhelming community support for the roll-out of non-sniffable fuel where this legislation has been put into effect.
“I look forward to seeing further progress in addressing petrol sniffing in 2016”.