State Government reveals only eight banned drinkers on register in Gascoyne in five months under strict regime

The State Government has revealed that only eight people have been registered as banned drinkers across the Gascoyne since the register was introduced five months ago. Statistics showing numbers of people listed on banned drinkers registers across the Gascoyne, Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields reveal the Gascoyne is significantly behind the rest. Banned drinkers registers prohibit the listed individuals from purchasing alcohol either voluntarily, through prohibition orders or barring notices across the region in an effort to deal with surges in alcohol-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour. A banned drinks register was introduced to Carnarvon on May 22 this year, and since its implementation only eight people have been registered across the Gascoyne. A total of 275 people are registered across the State, with less than 3 per cent from the Gascoyne. Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Paul Dixon was surprised at the figures. He said it was a weapon that was being under-utilised. “Considering the apparent problem, it is stunningly low,” he said. Mr Dixon said the introduction of the State’s toughest liquor restrictions arose from initial calls to the State Government regarding juvenile crime becoming out of control in the region. The State Government attributed the low uptake to the Gascoyne’s small population compared with other regions. According to 2021 Census data, the Gascoyne has a population of 9537 people while the Goldfields has 38,267, the Kimberley has 35,092 and the Pilbara has 55,037. The Kimberley register has 97 people on it, the Pilbara 93 and the Goldfields 77. While admitting crime in Carnarvon had reduced, Mr Dixon put the improvements down to a concerted effort between the local foot patrol, a heightened police presence and the wider community. “The State Government have been very proud to say that the town of Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction have the strictest alcohol restrictions in the State,” he said. “There would not be a person in Carnarvon that disagrees with some form of alcohol restrictions, but those restrictions are severe and impact on our businesses. “When things are tough a lot of things have to go right for businesses and having these severe restrictions has impacted on our tourist trade and business.” In May, Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby said the banned drinkers register provided a targeted response to problem drinking and empowered individuals by allowing them to voluntarily place themselves on the register. “Alcohol-related harm is a long-standing, complex issue. There is no easy fix. The banned drinkers register will not be a cure-all but I’m confident it will help address alcohol-related violence and antisocial behaviour in Carnarvon,” he said. BANNED DRINKERS REGISTERS Pilbara: Barring Notices 35 Prohibition Orders 48 Voluntary Referrals 10 Total 93 Kimberley: Barring Notices 17 Prohibition Orders 53 Voluntary Referrals 27 Total 97 Goldfields: Barring Notices 39 Prohibition Orders 34 Voluntary Referrals 4 Total 77 Gascoyne: Barring Notices 8 Prohibition Orders 0 Voluntary Referrals 0 Total 8