Whyalla Dry Zone Proposal

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK ().4 March 2025).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): The Minister for Human Services has advised:

1. Whyalla city council recently joined the Safety and Wellbeing Taskforce (the taskforce)—a multi-agency committee supporting the needs of remote Aboriginal people and the communities they are visiting. Taskforce members identify and discuss matters with a view to developing strategies and place-based responses that support mobility, safety and wellbeing.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is continuing to work with stakeholders, including taskforce agencies, through the Whyalla Services Leadership Group (WSLG) which includes representatives from:

SAPOL

Whyalla city council

Plaza Youth Centre

SA Health (Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network) ·

National Indigenous Australians Agency

Catholic Community Services

Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service

Services Australia

SA Ambulance Service

Mission Australia

Department for Child Protection

Centacare

The taskforce will continue to oversee responses in Whyalla.

DHS is working closely with Aboriginal tenancies in the and supporting people who are visiting Whyalla to return to community.

The Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs has advised:

2. The Whyalla city council has written to me advising that it is currently consulting on a city-wide dry area.

Should the council decide to apply to vary the existing dry area in Whyalla to a city-wide dry area, evidence would need to be provided of public consultation including consultation with relevant service providers to address displacement issues.

3. The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner has introduced a three-month trial restricting the sale of four-litre casks, five-litre casks and all fortified wine and port casks commencing on 14 April 2025.

The trial will see if the restrictions have an impact on antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related harm in Whyalla and surrounding areas.

Data from liquor licences and authorities will be reviewed to determine the next steps.